HDFC Bank, a private sector banking group in India, has invited start-ups and solo entrepreneurs to apply for its SmartUp grants offered under #Parivartan, the umbrella CSR brand of the bank.

The objective of the SmartUp grants is in finding and deploying long-term, sustainable solutions at scale for addressing social issues and in contributing to the economic and social development of India.

For 2021, HDFC Bank said that it will focus on start-ups that work at creating social impact at scale in Education – technology (ed-tech) and skill development among other sectors.

HDFC Bank has joined forces with nine start-up incubators registered with the Indian government’s MeitY platfrom for the purpose of screening, mentoring, and monitoring start-ups.

The nine incubators include IIT – Delhi, IIT – BHU, AIC BIMTECH Noida, IIM Kashipur, T – HUB Hyderabad, C-CAMP Bangalore, GUSEC Gujarat, Villgro Incubation – Chennai, and Banasthali University – Jaipur.

Smita Bhagat – Country Head – Government, E-commerce and Start-ups, HDFC Bank said: “We begin the new decade with a renewed focus to enable and nurture social sector start-ups.

“Our partnership with incubators will mentor the winners to scale up their ideas. Enterprises working in the social sector are doing a commendable work in changing the lives of millions of Indians. SmartUp grants is one way of offering our support and encouragement in this journey.

“We want to be a pillar of support for social entrepreneurs who want to bring a positive change to the society.”

  Banking industry news, HDFC Bank, India