Impact Orbit – Tech-Enabled Social Innovations is a grant from NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore for for-profit and non-profit tech-enabled registered ventures operational for more than a year, at an early-revenue to growth stage with a…. It provides Grants up to Rs 15 lakhs. Intake is cohort-based. Last verified against the official page on 22 September 2026.
Key facts
| Amount / benefit | Grants up to Rs 15 lakhs |
|---|---|
| Provider | NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore |
| Where | Pan-India |
| Stage | Early Revenue, Growth |
| Deadline | Cohort-based intake |
| Grant amount | Grants up to Rs 15 lakhs per selected venture |
| Program duration | Generally 8–9 months, varying by cohort |
| Fees / equity | No fees and no equity taken from founders |
| Running since | 2017 |
| Delivery partner | NSRCEL (IIM Bangalore) in collaboration with Capgemini |
| Contact | nsrcel.social@nsrcel.iimb.ac.in |
What is Impact Orbit?
Impact Orbit – Tech-Enabled Social Innovations is a social entrepreneurship incubation program run by NSRCEL, the startup hub of IIM Bangalore, with Capgemini. It has supported technology-enabled social ventures since 2017, working with for-profit and non-profit entities.
The program accepts registered for-profit and non-profit ventures operational for more than a year, at an early-revenue to growth stage with a proven proof of concept or pilot, and tech-enabled or digitally inclusive. Ventures must have potential to impact at least three UN Sustainable Development Goals. It is sector-agnostic, with focus areas including education, health, livelihood, WASH, water and climate, agriculture, and gender equality. Selected ventures receive grants of up to Rs 15 lakhs, plus support on value proposition, fundraising readiness, impact measurement, and legal and compliance.
Selection runs through an online application with a pitch deck, a review with the program team, an external panel pitch of about 6 to 7 minutes, due diligence, and onboarding. Incubation generally runs 8 to 9 months depending on the cohort; NSRCEL states it charges no fees and takes no equity.
Who is eligible for Impact Orbit?
For-profit and non-profit tech-enabled registered ventures operational for more than a year, at an early-revenue to growth stage with a proven POC or pilot, and with potential to impact at least 3 UN SDGs; sector-agnostic.
You qualify if:
- You qualify if your venture is a registered for-profit entity or a non-profit entity.
- You qualify if your venture has been in operations for a minimum period of 1 year.
- You qualify if your venture is at an early-revenue to growth stage, with a proven proof of concept or pilot.
- You qualify if your venture is tech-enabled or has digitally inclusive innovations solving social problems.
- You qualify if your venture is an 'Impact First' venture with direct potential to impact at least 3 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
You are not eligible if:
- Your venture is still at the idea stage with no proof of concept or pilot yet — the program directs idea-stage founders to NSRCEL's Launchpad program instead.
How much does Impact Orbit give, and in what form?
Grants up to Rs 15 lakhs.
How to apply for Impact Orbit
- Submit the online application form with relevant documents and a pitch deck (separate forms for for-profit and non-profit ventures), during the open application period.
- Application is screened and reviewed by the program selection committee.
- Shortlisted applicants have a 1:1 conversation / internal review with the program team.
- Further-shortlisted applicants undergo an external panel review with a 6–7 minute pitch.
- Due diligence on the selected venture.
- Onboarding into the cohort.
Documents required for Impact Orbit
- Pitch deck
Frequently asked questions
What is the Impact Orbit – Tech-Enabled Social Innovations Program?
It is NSRCEL's social entrepreneurship program supporting tech-enabled social innovations that demonstrate a viable business model to create and sustain social impact at scale. It incubates early-to-growth-stage for-profit and non-profit ventures with high-growth potential to build scalable, sustained-impact models.
What are the eligibility criteria to apply to Impact Orbit?
Applicants must be for-profit or non-profit tech-enabled registered ventures operating for more than a year, at an early-revenue to growth stage with a proven POC or pilot, tech-enabled or digitally inclusive, and classed as 'Impact First' ventures with direct potential to impact at least 3 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Is Impact Orbit limited to a specific sector?
No. The program is sector-agnostic and open to tech innovations with sustained social impact. Its stated focus areas include, but are not limited to, education, health, livelihood, WASH, water and climate, agriculture, and gender equality.
What funding and support does Impact Orbit provide?
Selected ventures get support on clarity in value proposition, alternate sources of funding and fundraising readiness, impact-metrics readiness, funding readiness, and 1-on-1 mentoring from domain experts. Selected ventures also receive grants of up to Rs 15 lakhs.
How do I apply to Impact Orbit?
Applicants fill out the online application form on the NSRCEL website during the open application period — there are separate forms for for-profit and non-profit startups. The form requires relevant documents and a pitch deck.
How long does the Impact Orbit incubation run?
The program's duration varies by cohort and its specific objectives, but it generally ranges from 8 to 9 months.
Is there a fee to join Impact Orbit, or does NSRCEL take equity?
No. The program states it doesn't have any fee structure or other financial considerations, and does not charge fees or take equity from founders.
Can an idea-stage venture with no product yet apply to Impact Orbit?
The program may consider ventures at various stages, but preference is given to revenue or pre-revenue stage ventures with a proven POC or pilot. The official page recommends idea-stage founders instead look at NSRCEL's Launchpad program.
Related programmes
Browse similar grant programmes. CapEasy handles this under Fundraising advisory.
Source and verification
Official programme page: nsrcel.org. Last verified 22 September 2026. Government programmes change — confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official programme page before you apply. CapEasy is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government authority.