Kotak Mahindra Bank is launching the second season of its accelerator-style CSR initiative, Kotak BizLabs, which aims to support entrepreneurs solving India’s toughest challenges. The program is focused on providing a platform for ecosystem development, rather than just chasing valuations. In its first season, BizLabs brought together over 1,500 startups, accelerated 55, and provided over Rs 5 crore in funding and grants.
The second season will expand to 13 cities, partnering with ecosystem powerhouses like IIT Delhi’s FITT, IIMA Ventures, NSRCEL-IIM Bangalore, and T-Hub. The program will focus on sectors like applied AI for MSME digitization, inclusive fintech, climate technology, resource efficiency, agritech tools, and health access enablers. According to Kedarswamy Ravangave, EVP – Marketing, Kotak Mahindra Bank, the goal is to provide distribution and credibility to founders, rather than just funds.
The bank is also launching a four-part docuseries, Hausla Empowered, which captures the journeys of entrepreneurs solving India’s toughest challenges. The series will stream on Amazon MX Player, which has 1.6 billion downloads and reaches Tier II and Tier III audiences. Ravangave believes that this partnership will help democratize startup access and inspire entrepreneurs in smaller cities.
Kotak Mahindra Bank’s approach to CSR is refreshingly contrarian, focusing on letting real stories shine rather than relying on celebrity endorsements. The bank believes that its brand purpose is about letting the action of the brand speak louder than campaigns. The goal of BizLabs is to create a cultural movement, not just a program, and to support founders who are audacious enough to build something new without waiting for permission.
The initiative is part of a larger shift in India, where entrepreneurship has become the new cultural currency. Ravangave believes that India is redefining who it is, and that people are no longer looking for permission, but for access. The goal of BizLabs is to nurture this shift and provide support to founders who are solving real problems. Ultimately, the program aims to create a ripple effect, inspiring a cluster of entrepreneurs in smaller cities and creating a cultural movement that goes beyond just a CSR initiative.