Our vision
What is Next Bharat
Who is this for
Program Duration
Application Process
FAQs

Apply for the Next Bharat Residency Program

  • Access to up to INR 5 crore in funding

  • 3 Weeks of immersive workshops

  • Mentorship and support from experts

  • Pan India network of Impact Entrepreneurs

Apply Now

Empowering Impact Entrepreneurs to Scale Their Impact & Business

Jayanti Mahapatra
Founder & CEO of Manikstu Agro
Works with goat farmers in Odisha’s Kalahandi district to institutionalize and digitize the sector. Aims to make Odisha a hub for animal husbandry and rural job creation.
Nivedita Rai
Co-founder of Karghewale
Supports weaver-entrepreneurs with market access, training, and digital tools. Their incubation program helps artisans build independent textile businesses.
Payal Nath
Co-founder & CEO of Kadam Haat
An impact startup creating sustainable home and lifestyle products using natural fibers like Sabai grass, bamboo, and banana fiber. They blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design.
Satyam Bhandari
Founder of Heart in Hills
Sources oilseeds from Chambal region farmers using natural farming methods. These are processed into nutritious cold-pressed oils using traditional wood-pressed techniques. Helps farmers build their own enterprises.
Rakesh Gupta
Founder of Gramshree
Operates in the non-timber forest produce value chain, processing fruits like tamarind, jamun, and custard apple into pulp for B2B customers.
Bapan Das
Founder of GRDT Farmers
A poultry farming company promoting antibiotic-free practices. They train farmers, provide chicks, and support with market linkages.
Aishwarya Jhawar
Co-founder of Ekatra
A sustainable lifestyle brand providing livelihoods to urban homemakers through handmade, eco-friendly products made from upcycled fabric.
Satendrasingh Lilhare
Co-Founder of Bastar se Bazaar Tak
A fruit pulp startup from Kanker, Chhattisgarh that processes locally grown fruits from the Bastar region into high-quality pulp products.
Aakriti Srivastava
Founder & CEO of Bahula Naturals
Empowering farmers and pastoralists of the Thar Desert by sourcing their produce and enhancing their incomes through fair trade practices.
Selvakumar Varadharajan
Founder & CEO of Vilfresh
A D2C platform delivering fresh produce and dairy from farmers to urban homes. Their range includes milk, fruits, vegetables, batters, pickles, and millet-based products.
Prerna Agarwal
Founder of Samakhya
Samakhya supports 2,000+ nomadic herders and artisans in Rajasthan by transforming indigenous fibers into eco-friendly insulation solutions.
Kuldeep Patel
Director & CEO of Phasal Bazar
Supporting 72,000+ farmers and 30 FPOs in Chhattisgarh, they promote millet farming on unused lands to boost rural incomes and build a resilient agri-community
Shubhra Hanjabam
Founder & CEO of Meira Foods
A Manipur-based food processing company led by women. They produce pickles and condiments like bamboo shoot pickle, instant ngari, and king chili pickle under expert supervision.

OUR VISION

Empowering community of great entrepreneurs creating greater impact, for the next billion

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Where is the Next Billion?

India, the world’s 5th largest economy, is powered by its burgeoning Tier 2 and Tier 3 regions, collectively referred to as The Next Billion

45%

of India’s GDP comes from these regions.

86%

of the workforce operates here.

India 2
India 3
  • Represents the informal urban economy in Tier 2 cities.

  • Comprises over 300 million people, including workers like rickshaw drivers, house help etc

  • Household incomes range from ₹1.5–10 lakh per year, with significant contributions to India’s GDP.

The Next Billion represents India’s hidden potential—communities ready to grow, innovate, and create opportunities for a better future.

  • Represents the rural economy in smaller towns and villages.

  • Comprises over 700 million people, including small-scale farmers, daily wage workers, and rural artisans

  • Household incomes range from ₹1.5–6 lakh per year, with many facing unstable earnings.

The Next Billion represents India’s hidden potential—communities ready to grow, innovate, and create opportunities for a better future.

How can we create value for the Next Billion?

Our residency program empowers impact entrepreneurs with mentorship, knowledge enhancement and a supportive community. We enable you to scale ventures, drive sustainable growth and create a lasting impact

Who is this program for?

Impact entrepreneurs working towards increasing incomes for informal and rural economies.

Apply Now

Is a For-Profit Entity

Focused on delivering both financial returns and measurable impact.

Directly Impacts India 2 & India 3

Addressing income disparities in Rural and Informal economies in India

Revenue generating

Demonstrating early traction and potential for scalability.

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OUTCOMES

What’s in it for you?

Access to up to INR 5 crore in funding

Next Bharat Community

Mentorship from Experts

Unlocking Potential

Opportunities to Expand market access

Program Duration

Your 1 Year Transformation Journey

Starting from

June 2026

Session type

In person

Where

Bengaluru

Session type

Virtual Sessions

Where

Remote

Don’t miss anything

Subscribe to our Google Calendar for important dates

Add to  my calender

NEXT STEP

Your journey begins here !

Apply NowContact Us
Step 01

Application Review

Our team carefully evaluates all applications and shortlists potential candidates.

Step 02

Interviews

Shortlisted candidates participate in 2-3 rounds of interviews.

Step 03

Field Visit

On site visit by investment representatives

Step 04

Final Selection

Successful applicants are notified, and onboarding begins for the program.

Apply NowContact Us

What sets impact entrepreneurs apart?

Find out if you are one of the Impact Entrepreneur

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FAQs

Who is eligible to apply for the program?

Do I need to fully attend the program in order to get
funding?

What is the duration of the program?

Where is the program going to be held?

How is funding provided to selected startups?

Will my expenses be covered for the Residency Program?

Do my co-founder and I both need to attend?

Can I bring my top leadership team to the program ?

I will be only able to attend for a few days. Can my
co- founder replace me in between?

Will the accommodation be  provided by Next Bharat ?