Backed by Leading Social Impact Investors
About Us
Grameen Neev is an initiative by Grameen Foundation for Social Impact (GFSI) and IKN Innovation Foundation, created to support mission-driven social enterprises focuses on enterprises working across Climate Action & Green Livelihoods, Health, Nutrition & Well-being, and Digital & Financial Inclusion, with a strong emphasis on inclusive and sustainable impact.
Rooted in the belief that people living in poverty are powerful agents of change, Grameen Neev works to unlock enterprise potential by enabling access to specialised mentorship, Investor connect & Networking, Market linkages support, and digital inclusion. By laying a strong foundation — a “Neev” — we aim to help social enterprises scale responsibly and contribute to a more equitable, resilient, and poverty-free world.
Accelerator Details
Grameen Neev Sustainability Accelerator is a 12-months, cohort-based acceleration designed to support early-stage and growth-stage social enterprises that are building solutions for inclusive, sustainable development in India. The accelerator focuses on strengthening enterprises that are creating measurable social and environmental impact, particularly in rural and semi-urban contexts.
The accelerator is jointly designed and implemented by Grameen Foundation for Social Impact (GFSI) and IKN Innovation Foundation, combining deep grassroots implementation experience with structured incubation, enterprise development, and investment readiness expertise.
The Accelerator will focus on three thematic tracks:
- Climate Action & Green Livelihoods – Enabling ventures that address climate resilience, renewable energy, waste management, circular economy and sustainable agriculture
- Health, Nutrition & Well-being – Promoting affordable, accessible, and inclusive healthcare and nutrition solutions for underserved communities
- Digital & Financial Inclusion – Empowering enterprises that leverage technology to enhance financial access, digital literacy, and social inclusion
Offerings
Selected enterprises receive end-to-end, hands-on support tailored to their stage and sector, including:
Enterprise Diagnostics
Using AI/ML-enabled tools to assess business readiness, leadership capacity, and growth gaps
Capacity-Building Workshops
Including 3-day in person bootcamp on business status & model refinement, financial planning, compliance, and go-to-market strategies
Personalised Mentorship
From domain experts, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders
Investor Readiness Support
Including pitch deck preparation, mock pitches, and one-to-one feedback
Market & Financial Linkages
With potential buyers, partners, lenders, and investors
Demo Day
Investor Connect & Networking, offering visibility and fundraising opportunities
Ongoing Expert Advisory
Including sector-specific, technical, and regulatory guidance as needed
Structure & Journey
1. Call for Applications & Selection
The accelerator opens applications nationally through a dedicated portal. Eligible enterprises are screened based on innovation, impact potential, business viability, and team strength. Selected applicants pitch before a jury of experts and are onboarded into the cohort.
2. Diagnostics & Enterprise Assessment
Every selected enterprise undergoes a detailed diagnostic assessment to identify strengths, gaps, and growth priorities. This includes business, financial, operational, and leadership assessments that inform a customised support plan.
3. Capacity Building & Mentoring
Enterprises participate in focused workshops and one-on-one mentoring to strengthen business foundations, improve operational efficiency, and prepare for scale. Support is customised based on enterprise needs and stage.
4. Investor Readiness & Market Preparation
Founders receive hands-on support to develop strong pitch decks, financial projections, and growth narratives. Mock pitches and expert reviews help refine their investment readiness.
5. Demo Day & Ecosystem Connect
The accelerator culminates in a Demo Day where enterprises pitch to a curated group of investors, financial institutions, corporates, and ecosystem partners. Post-Demo Day support continues to facilitate follow-ups and partnerships.
Duration & Cohorts
12-Month Acceleration Roadmap
Launch & Selection
Accelerator planning, call for applications, jury selection, and onboarding.
Intensive Support
Diagnostics, bootcamps, and foundations for enterprise scaling.
Structured Mentoring
One-on-one sessions, market linkages, and operational refinement.
Expert Advisory
Targeted sector guidance and continued ecosystem support.
30
Enterprises per Cohort
4
Cohorts Annually
30%
Women-Led Focus
120
Enterprises / Year
Outcomes
Investment-Ready Enterprises
Participating enterprises will be supported to complete the accelerator with an investor-ready pitch deck, validated business model, and financial plan
Investment Facilitation
Promising enterprises will be facilitated to receive angel investment within the sustainability accelerator term
Strengthened Enterprise Capacity
Participating enterprises will demonstrate measurable improvements in business performance indicators, financial planning, and compliance readiness.
Expanded Market Access
Participating enterprises will establish new market linkages (B2B, B2C, distribution, or institutional) facilitated through the accelerator.
Selection Process
Call for Application
- Online registration and submission of applications
- Clarifications and applicant support
Selection & Onboarding
- Application screening and shortlisting
- Pitching before expert jury
- Final selection of up to 30 social enterprises
- Cohort onboarding and accelerator orientation
Intensive Support & Mentoring
- March – May 2026: Intensive enterprise support, diagnostics, bootcamp, and capacity building
- June – September 2026: Structured one-on-one mentoring, market linkages, and investor readiness
Expert Advisory & Demo Day
- On-demand expert advisory support
- Pitch refinement and mock pitching
- Demo Day & investor networking
- Post–Demo Day follow-ups and accelerator completion
Who can apply?
You are eligible to apply if you:
- Are an early-stage to growth-stage enterprises
- Have an enterprises with at least 1 year of formal operations
- Have a functional prototype, MVP, or early market validation
- Demonstrate initial revenue or clear path to monetisation
- Operate in rural or semi-urban areas or serve underserved communities
You work in at least one of the following areas:
- Climate Action & Green Livelihoods
- Health, Nutrition & Well-being
- Digital & Financial Inclusion
Mentors
The Team
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Get in Touch
Get in Touch
Have questions about the program or eligibility? Our team is here to help you build your neev (foundation).
Email Us
info@grameenfoundation.in
Call Us
+91 123 456 7890
Visit Us
Grameen Foundation India, C-Block, Green Park Extension, New Delhi - 110016