ABOUT THE KAMYAB GRANTS
● What is the objective of this grant program?
The primary objective of Kamyab Grants is to support early-stage founders who are building meaningful solutions in education and disability sectors by providing catalytic funding, mentorship, and ecosystem access.
● Is this program purely a grant program or equity-based impact investing program?
Kamyab Grants is a grant-based initiative. The funding provided under the program is non-dilutive, which means founders are not required to give up equity in their organisations in exchange for the grant.
Separately, if any jury member or ecosystem participant finds a particular idea promising, they may independently choose to explore potential angel investment opportunities with the founders. Such discussions, if they occur, would be entirely at the discretion of the concerned individual and outside the scope of the Kamyab Grants program.
● Does Kamyab Grants take equity from selected founders / grant winners?
Kamyab Grants is primarily a grant-based support initiative for early-stage / new entrepreneurs, and it takes no equity. However, through Kamyab Grants, we also offer an additional ₹50 lakh pool for equity-based investments.
● What makes Kamyab Grants different from other grant programs?
Kamyab Grants is designed as more than a funding opportunity. While selected founders receive grant support, the program also aims to unlock long-term ecosystem value.
Selected founders may benefit from:
- Access to a network of 1300+ schools across 25+ states and 400+ cities
- Mentorship from successful Entrepreneurs and institution builders:
- Exposure to a wider ecosystem of educators, innovators, and partners
- Opportunities for Collaboration and future funding leads:-
The goal is to support founders not only with capital but also with access, recognition, and long-term ecosystem support.
ELIGIBILITY AND WHO CAN APPLY
● Who can apply for Kamyab Grants? What is the eligibility criteria?
Kamyab Grants is open for early-stage entrepreneurs who are striving to make an impact in the education or disability inclusion sectors through their initiatives. Though for its inaugural edition Kamyab Grants is mainly focusing on education and disability, if you are passionately building for a cause in another sector and feel we can support you in boosting your impact in some way, we are happy to talk. Please write to us at :- connect@ajaygupta.info.
● Are both for-profit and non-profit organisations eligible?
Yes. Both for-profit startups and not-for-profit companies are eligible to apply.
● What stage should the respective education / disability startup be at to apply?
Kamyab Grants for entrepreneurs is not intended for idea-stage concepts without validation. There should be a prototype, pilot implementation, early users, and initial revenue.
● Do disability-focused startups have to work in education?
No. Disability-focused initiatives can operate in any domain such as accessibility, assistive technology, employment enablement, rehabilitation, or inclusion.
● Can startups based outside of India apply?
The initiative is primarily focused on startups operating in India. However, if you are operating outside of India but building primarily for the Indian audience, then we are happy to listen to you.
● Can individuals apply, or must the organisation be registered?
Only registered entities are eligible for grants. Early-stage initiatives which are at Ideation or Validation stage are encouraged to wait for the next edition of Kamyab Grants.
● Is there a limit on how old the organisation can be?
Typically, ventures under 3 years of operational history are preferred.
● Can startups that have already raised funding apply?
Yes, provided they are still in an early stage and have not raised large institutional funding.
● Can student founders apply?
Yes. Student founders and youth entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply, provided that they fulfil the eligibility criteria.
GRANT AMOUNT AND BENEFITS
● What does Kamyab Grants offer to selected applicants / grant winners?
Selected entrepreneurs will receive equity-free grants (of up to ₹10 lakh) and equity-based investments (of up to ₹50 lakh), mentorship, visibility support, and an extended grant support based only on the strength of the venture. Kamyab Grants as a program is primarily designed to help education-related / disability-related startups scale better and increase their impact.
● Apart from funding, what other benefits are offered?
In addition to financial support, selected founders may receive:
- Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and sector leaders
- Access to a network of 1300+ schools and universities for potential pilots or partnerships
- Ecosystem visibility and recognition
- Opportunities to connect with potential collaborators and angel investors
- Participation in a community of founders working on meaningful social challenges
The initiative aims to support founders both financially and institutionally.
APPLICATION PROCESS
● How are applications evaluated?
Kamyab Grants applications are evaluated through a transparent, merit-based review process, where key criteria include the scalability of the entrepreneurial venture, the potential of its social impact (especially in education-related or disability sectors), and the demonstrated commitment of the founder or founding team. Start application for more details about the Kamyab Grants evaluation process and requirements.
● To apply for Kamyab Grants, is there any application fee?
No. There is no application fee for Kamyab Grants. Feel free to give it your best shot.
● How can I apply for the Kamyab Grants?
All applications must be submitted through the official application form on the Kamyab Grants website only.
● What is the selection process?
The process typically includes:
1. Application screening
2. Shortlisting
3. Pitch presentation
4. Final selection
● Will all applicants be invited to pitch?
No. Due to the expected volume of applications, the selection process for Kamyab Grants will involve multiple stages. After the initial application review, a shortlist of promising founders will be invited to present their ideas during the pitching round. The final selection will be made based on the strength of the idea, demonstrated commitment of the founders, and the potential impact of the initiative.
