Kapiva launches Rs 50 crore fund to support evidence-based Ayurveda R&D and clinical validation

D2C ayurveda brand Kapiva has launched a Rs 50 crore innovation fund to support research-led product development in Ayurveda.

Named the Kapiva Innovation Fund, the initiative is open for applications starting today and will back projects across the research lifecycle, from early academic work to programmes nearing commercialisation.

Eligible applicants include research institutions, PhD scholars, clinicians, hospitals, laboratories, incubators and early-stage startups working in Ayurveda, plant-based therapeutics and integrative health.

Kapiva said cheque sizes will be around Rs 50 lakh for early-stage research, while late-stage programmes could attract investments ranging from Rs 4 crore to Rs 6 crore.

Alongside capital, the company will offer access to its in-house experts, clinical infrastructure, regulatory guidance and mentorship. It also plans to expand its R&D facility in Bengaluru as part of the initiative.

The fund will focus on areas such as novel formulations, standardisation, phytochemistry, artificial intelligence applications in Ayurveda, pre-clinical and clinical studies, extraction technologies and bioactive enhancement. The company said the objective is to translate traditional ayurvedic knowledge into outcomes that are clinically tested and relevant to real health problems.

“For decades, Ayurveda has been seen as either faith-based or purely traditional wisdom. We believe its future lies in being outcome-led and evidence-backed. This fund is a long-term bet on that future,” co-founder Ameve Sharma said.

Kapiva currently runs in-house R&D programmes and collaborates with institutions including THSTI, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Manipal Hospitals. The company follows structured testing protocols and conducts clinical trials on select products.

Founded by Ameve Sharma and Shrey Badhani, Kapiva sells ayurvedic nutrition and wellness products across categories such as supplements, gummies, capsules, juices, teas and skincare. It has a portfolio of over 100 products and also offers consultations with ayurvedic doctors. The company’s top categories include diabetes care, gym and sports nutrition, energy, and liver and heart health, with diabetes supplements being its highest-selling segment. Kapiva sells through its own D2C website, online marketplaces and offline retail stores.

The capital earmarked for the innovation fund has been drawn from Kapiva’s most recent fundraise. The company has raised around $120 million to date, including a $60 million Series D round in September 2025 led by 360 ONE Asset and Vertex Growth.

Kapiva has said it is preparing for an initial public offering and plans to go public in the next two to three years.