Kolkata, April 24, 2026:
In a major boost to purpose-driven entrepreneurship across Asia, DBS Foundation has announced grant funding of ₹34.40 crore (SGD 4.9 million) for 22 high-impact enterprises under its 2025 cohort. Notably, two Kolkata-based organisations—Ikure Techsoft and Kadam Haat Basketry—have secured grants, highlighting the city’s growing role in driving social innovation.
Now in its 11th edition since its launch in 2015, the DBS Foundation grant programme supports enterprises addressing critical societal challenges through scalable and sustainable solutions. Each selected organisation is eligible for funding of up to ₹1.75 crore (SGD 250,000), along with comprehensive support including mentorship, capacity building, preferential banking solutions, and collaboration opportunities within DBS’ global ecosystem.
The 2025 cohort reflects a strong focus on strengthening healthcare access, livelihood generation, and financial resilience among vulnerable communities. Many of the selected enterprises are leveraging cutting-edge approaches such as artificial intelligence, digital tools, gamification, circular economy models, and community-led innovations to expand their reach and impact.
The selection process was highly competitive, with nearly 2,200 applications evaluated by 415 DBS employee volunteers, including senior leadership, ensuring a rigorous and multi-layered assessment.
Indian Winners Driving Grassroots Impact
The three Indian grantees this year represent diverse sectors of social transformation:
- Ikure Techsoft: Focused on delivering affordable primary healthcare in rural areas through a network of digital health centres and trained community health workers.
- Kadam Haat Basketry: Empowering rural artisans by providing ethical market access for handcrafted products, thereby sustaining traditional crafts and livelihoods.
- Lernern (Gurugram): Enhancing youth employability through skill development, apprenticeships, and work-integrated learning programmes.
Karen Ngui, Head of DBS Foundation, emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts in uncertain times, stating that businesses, alongside community and public sector partners, play a crucial role in building resilience among underserved populations.
Echoing this sentiment, Gaurav Rajput, Managing Director and Head of Group Marketing and Communications at DBS Bank India, noted that the selected enterprises exemplify how innovation with purpose can address India’s most pressing developmental challenges—from healthcare access to sustainable livelihoods.
A Decade of Impact and Growing Commitment
Since its inception, DBS Foundation has supported over 180 impact-driven businesses across Asia. In 2024, marking its second decade, DBS pledged up to SGD 1 billion and 1.5 million employee volunteering hours over ten years to further strengthen its social impact initiatives.
As of end-2025, the Foundation has already committed more than SGD 160 million towards supporting 48 enterprises and launching 29 new impact programmes. These efforts are expected to positively impact over 8 million lives by 2029.
With a strong ecosystem-driven approach, DBS Foundation continues to champion sustainable, scalable solutions—empowering underserved communities to build resilience and secure a better future.
