Kotak BizLabs Season 2 Selects 71 Startups, Expands Focus Beyond Metro Cities

Mumbai, April 06, 2026: Kotak Mahindra Bank has announced the selection of 71 startups for Season 2 of its Kotak BizLabs Accelerator Programme, with 60 startups set to receive structured grants of up to ₹30 lakh each.

The latest cohort highlights a notable shift in India’s startup landscape, with 53% of selected startups coming from non-metro regions. The programme spans 13 states and covers 12 sectors, including AI, deep tech, agritech, sustainability, clean energy, edtech, and healthcare.

Season 2 witnessed strong interest, receiving 3,088 applications—an 80% increase over the first edition. More than 80% of these applications originated from outside the four major metro cities, reflecting growing entrepreneurial activity across smaller cities and regions.

The six-to-nine-month accelerator programme will provide startups with funding, mentorship, and access to networks, culminating in a Demo Day where founders will engage with investors and corporate partners.

Commenting on the programme, Himanshu Nivsarkar, Head of CSR & ESG, Kotak Mahindra Bank, said:
“We have redesigned Season 2 of Kotak BizLabs Accelerator Programme to support founders as they scale. Along with enhanced funding support, the programme now brings a wider network of incubation partners and a stronger community framework. Our focus is on helping startups build models that can sustain and grow.”

Rohit Bhasin, President and Chief Marketing Officer, Kotak Mahindra Bank, added:
“The quality and diversity of applications this season tells us that India’s entrepreneurial ambition is geographically broad and commercially serious. Kotak BizLabs Accelerator Programme Season 2 is about building a platform that meets founders where they are and helps them scale from there.”

The programme is supported by leading institutional incubators, including IIM Ahmedabad Ventures, NSRCEL, T-Hub, and FITT IIT Delhi, which joins the initiative this season to expand its reach in North India.

Additionally, Kotak has introduced the BizLabs Community Platform, aimed at connecting startups across cohorts with curated resources, mentors, and peer networks beyond the accelerator duration.

The Kotak BizLabs Accelerator Programme is part of the bank’s CSR initiatives focused on supporting entrepreneurship and innovation across India.