HDFC Bank Parivartan and AIC ISB launch ArthX to back Punjab’s sustainability startups. Apply now

As climate pressures intensify and sustainability moves from intent to action, a new generation of startups is emerging from India’s states, building solutions that are both impact-driven and commercially viable. Punjab, with its deep agricultural roots and rapidly evolving industrial base, is fast becoming a critical testbed for this transition.

HDFC Bank, in partnership with AIC at Indian School of Business (ISB), has launched ArthX, a sustainability-focused initiative under the HDFC Bank Parivartan Startup Grants program. Designed specifically for revenue-stage startups in Punjab, ArthX aims to back founders translating climate ambition into scalable, real-world solutions. Strengthening this ecosystem-led approach, Startup Punjab has joined ArthX as the government partner, enabling deeper regional alignment, policy support, and on-ground impact.

With a total grant corpus of Rs 1 crore, the program is now open for applications from Punjab-based startups.

What ArthX offers

ArthX brings together grant funding, strategic mentorship, and access to institutional and industry networks to help founders move from early traction to scale. Selected startups will be eligible for grant support of up to Rs 10 lakh, along with guidance to accelerate commercial growth and measurable impact.

The initiative targets startups working across key sustainability themes, including climate action, waste management and circularity, renewable energy and efficiency, sustainable agriculture, and green manufacturing and materials. The focus is firmly on solutions that address real-world challenges while remaining scalable and economically viable.

ArthX sits under the HDFC Bank Parivartan Startup Grants, the bank’s flagship startup program aimed at strengthening India’s social impact and innovation ecosystem. Through Parivartan, HDFC Bank supports startups operating at the intersection of innovation, inclusion, and sustainability, with an emphasis on long-term, measurable outcomes. Key focus areas under the Parivartan Startup Grants include AI for social good, climate innovation, financial inclusion, agriculture and rural economy, education and livelihoods, and gender diversity and inclusion.

Who should apply?

ArthX is open to revenue-stage startups based in Punjab or those with significant operations and impact in the state. Applying startups should demonstrate a validated product or solution, active customers or revenue, and a clear intent to scale operations and sustainability impact. Beyond funding, the program is structured to help founders refine their growth strategy, strengthen impact measurement, and prepare for the next phase of scale.

To engage directly with founders across the state, ArthX is hosting on-ground roadshows to provide clarity on eligibility, application requirements, and the grant evaluation process. One such session was recently held in Mohali, with the next roadshow scheduled for February 12 in Ludhiana.

Building Punjab’s sustainability startup pipeline

With ArthX, HDFC Bank Parivartan and AIC ISB aim to build a strong pipeline of sustainability-led startups from Punjab, founders who are translating climate ambition into scalable, commercially viable businesses.

By combining grant capital with institutional backing and ecosystem access, ArthX is positioned to play a catalytic role in accelerating Punjab’s contribution to India’s broader sustainability and climate innovation journey. Punjab-based startups with revenue traction and ambitions to scale can now apply.

Apply now