IDFC First Bank has joined hands with the IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) to launch ‘IGNITE’, a pan-India programme designed to support early-stage enterprises developing sustainable business solutions.
The programme will offer a total of Rs 2 crore in financial and operational assistance, including a direct startup grant corpus of Rs 1.36 crore. According to an official statement, the initiative will help young ventures strengthen their business models, expand their market presence, and achieve measurable environmental and social outcomes.
As part of the programme, 16 startups from across India will be chosen through a competitive evaluation process. The initiative aims at identifying enterprises with solutions that can deliver meaningful sustainability outcomes while also demonstrating commercial potential.
IGNITE will focus on several sustainability-driven sectors, including green manufacturing, waste recycling and upcycling, cleantech, renewable energy, and water management. It will also support ventures working on environmental technologies and the sustainable use of indigenous resources.
Once selected, the startups will participate in a structured incubation programme. The journey will include business diagnostics, expert mentoring, intensive bootcamps, networking opportunities, and access to the wider industry ecosystem.
In addition, the top-performing enterprises will be eligible for performance-linked grant support to help them scale their operations. This support is intended to strengthen the participating startups as they move from early-stage development towards commercial expansion.
The programme also seeks to accelerate the commercial scale-up of 16 sustainable solutions while encouraging circular economy models that can divert waste away from landfills. Alongside improving operational capabilities and driving revenue growth, the initiative aims to create local employment opportunities.
Through its partnership with IIMCIP, IDFC First Bank is therefore positioning IGNITE as a platform to combine incubation, industry access, and financial support for sustainability-focused startups. The programme expects to help participating enterprises expand their solutions while contributing to environmental and social impact across India.
