BITS Pilani, ABCF partners with NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform to support women startups

BITS Pilani, through its technology business incubator Pilani Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Society (PIEDS), has launched 'Womenpreneur for Bharat 1.0'.

The program is a collaborative effort with NITI Aayog's Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and is supported by Aditya Birla Capital Foundation, the CSR arm of Aditya Birla Capital Limited.

Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Vice-Chancellor, BITS Pilani, said, “India’s diversity across its length and breadth requires localized solutions from local entrepreneurs. I strongly believe that women innovators, especially from Northeastern states will lead the next wave of innovations in solving their region’s own unique problems. We are happy to partner with Women Entrepreneurship Platform and Aditya Birla Capital Foundation to help bring some of these innovations to the fore and help them scale.”

What is the aim of the program?

According to reports, The initiative aims to foster women-led startups, particularly in Tier 2/3/4 cities across various regions of India.

'Womenpreneurs for Bharat 1.0' is designed to provide both financial and incubation support to women entrepreneurs. The program targets those who are creating solutions in or for Tier 2/3/4 cities in the Northeast region, Rajasthan, Haryana, and J&K. 

Notably, It is open to both for-profit and non-profit startups that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) and address regional business or societal challenges.

Funding and incubation details

Eligible startups under this program can receive funding up to Rs 10 lakhs, along with comprehensive incubation support from PIEDS. The support includes one-on-one mentoring, market access assistance, and opportunities for future investment. Interested innovators are encouraged to apply for the program.

What does PIEDS do?

PIEDS or Pilani Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Society (“PIEDS”), is a Technology Business Incubator of Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, that works with idea and early-stage startups in technology-focused areas across India.