Kotak Mahindra Bank has officially launched Season 2 of its BizLabs Accelerator Programme, signaling a strong commitment to India’s growing startup ecosystem. The initiative is set to support more than 75 early-stage startups across the country, offering them mentorship, financial backing, and market access to accelerate their growth. With a focus on innovation, technology, and sustainability, this programme aims to provide a structured platform for entrepreneurs who aspire to make a meaningful impact.
What Makes Kotak BizLabs Unique
Kotak BizLabs is not just an accelerator; it is a comprehensive support system designed to nurture innovation from the ground up. Startups enrolled in the programme receive personalized guidance from industry veterans and experienced entrepreneurs. They gain opportunities to connect with potential customers and strategic partners, which helps them scale faster and navigate the challenges of early-stage growth. Additionally, funding support is offered to selected startups, enabling them to expand operations, enhance technology, and reach new markets. By combining mentorship, networking, and financial resources, Kotak BizLabs has established itself as a key enabler for India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Season 2: A Nationwide Push for Innovation
Season 2 of Kotak BizLabs, running from October 2025 to November 2026, comes with several enhancements to maximize impact. The programme now extends across all major regions of India, including North, South, West, and Central India, ensuring that startups from every corner of the country can participate. New partnerships with leading innovation and academic institutions have been formed to provide additional resources and expertise. Over 800 startups are expected to engage with the programme, with more than 75 ventures receiving acceleration support and over 60 startups securing financial backing. The focus spans multiple sectors such as deep-tech, sustainability, clean energy, fintech, digital technology, edtech, agritech, and healthtech, reflecting the broad spectrum of India’s innovative talent.
Lessons from Season 1
The first season of Kotak BizLabs was a resounding success, setting a high benchmark for future programmes. During Season 1, the initiative received over 1,500 applications and conducted knowledge sessions with more than 500 startup founders. A total of 55 startups were accelerated, while 32 ventures received funding support, amounting to ₹5 crore in grants. Many of these startups have gone on to secure additional funding worth over ₹12 crore, demonstrating the tangible impact of BizLabs in creating scalable and sustainable businesses. These results underline the effectiveness of a structured acceleration programme backed by mentorship, market access, and financial support.
The Road Ahead
With Season 2, Kotak BizLabs is focused on empowering audacious entrepreneurs who are tackling pressing challenges and building solutions with long-term impact. The enhanced programme structure, broader reach, and increased funding support are expected to create a ripple effect across India’s startup ecosystem. By providing startups with the tools and guidance they need to succeed, Kotak BizLabs is not just accelerating individual ventures—it is fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that could define India’s next wave of business leaders. For aspiring founders, Season 2 offers a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and scale their ideas in a structured and supportive environment.