Catalyst is an impact-focused accelerator from India, established in 2016 by IFMR, initially in partnership with USAID and subsequently with support from NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission and Ministry of Commerce's DPIIT, with continued support from several CSR and philanthropic organisations. Catalyst works closely with entrepreneurs building scalable, sustainable, and disruptive ventures grounded in impact-first business models. The accelerator supports founders through a combination of early-stage capital (via an in-house seed fund), syndicated investments, market access, and strategic growth mentorship. To date, Catalyst has supported over 60 startups and invested in nearly 20 companies across emerging impact sectors such as Crafts, Culture, Climate & Sustainability and AI-for-Impact. These startup initiatives also have a focused centre that works with student entrepreneurs, building impact companies.

Additionally, Catalyst runs a comprehensive grassroots entrepreneurship program for aspiring artisan entrepreneurs in India’s underserved geographies. The program, supported by leading CSR foundations, offers holistic entrepreneurship capabilities, seed-grant and dedicated market-access to participating artisans. This program has supported 200+ artisans so far and continues to expand. 

Over the past decade, Catalyst has developed a differentiated model that integrates startups, investors, and grassroots communities—enabling rapid livelihood access at the last mile while delivering a high-quality pipeline of micro-entrepreneurs to the market.

Catalyst AIC

Org chart

Teams

Offices

Catalyst AIC

Org chart

Teams

Offices

Related companies