Facebook-f Twitter Instagram Linkedin-in Youtube
Expression of Interest

UnPollute – FAQ

UnPollute is STEP’s flagship initiative launched in 2024 to empower women entrepreneurs building climate-focused solutions. The program champions sustainability and gender inclusion, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals to drive impact across environmental innovation.

Women are disproportionately affected by climate change due to social, economic, and caregiving responsibilities. At the same time, their empathy, resilience, and community-rooted leadership uniquely position them as powerful catalysts for inclusive, high-impact climate solutions and a thriving green economy.

UnPollute follows a comprehensive 3-part model:

  • 8-Week Hybrid Incubation Program to refine business ideas
  • 2-Day Sustainability Conclave to connect with ecosystem enablers
  • Ongoing Support, including mentorship, market linkages, and networking opportunities
  • AI-integrated Climate Solutions
  • Slow/Sustainable Fashion
  • Repurposing of Waste
  • Solar-powered Initiatives
  • Community Engagement–Driven Projects
  • Sustainable Living Solutions
  • Industrial Air Purification Systems

UnPollute’s inaugural edition in 2024 received 150+ applications nationwide and brought together women founders, investors, government leaders, academics, and climate experts. It is on the journey to set a benchmark as one of India’s most inclusive and catalytic platforms in climate entrepreneurship.

Women entrepreneurs who participated in UnPollute’24 received a wide range of strategic benefits, including:

  • A focused 8-week incubation program equipping women entrepreneurs with the technical and soft skills needed to grow climate-resilient businesses. The program covers, but is not limited to, business model refinement, marketing and promotion strategies, and effective pitch delivery.
  • One-on-one mentorship from experienced industry leaders
  • Investor connections and funding opportunities, including support through the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) facilitated by STEP
  • Visibility and networking through the high-profile 2-day Sustainability Conclave
  • Access to prestigious external platforms, such as COP 29, KULA, Winpe Leadership Summit & Awards 2025, and the IVCA Green Returns Summit 2024
  • Ongoing 6-month mentorship post-event for continued guidance

Legal and compliance support from VforHer to help formalize and strengthen their ventures

UnPollute is supported by a diverse set of ecosystem partners, including corporate sponsors, climate tech experts, impact investors, academic institutions, and government stakeholders.

Following the success of UnPollute’24, the 2025 edition is set to return with an even deeper focus on carbon neutrality, women-led green startups, and breakthrough innovation.
Applications open soon—stay tuned for updates on the timeline and selection process.

Applications will open shortly. Women entrepreneurs working on climate and sustainability-focused innovations are encouraged to apply through STEP’s official application portal.

Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) – FAQ

SISFS is an initiative by Startup India designed to support early-stage startups through grants, debt funding, and structured mentorship. At STEP, we specifically empower women and non-binary leaders to turn their ideas into successful, scalable ventures through this scheme.

STEP runs the SISFS program in collaboration with Startup India, offering:

  • Grants and debt funding for idea-stage and growth-stage startups
  • Post-selection mentorship by experienced founders and experts
  • Ongoing support in areas such as business planning, compliance, and investor readiness

To qualify, applicants must:

  • Identify as a woman or non-binary individual
  • Be in a key leadership or decision-making role in the organization
  • Be registered as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or OPC
  • Possess a valid DPIIT registration number

Be within 2 years of incorporation

  • Apply online through the SISFS portal and select STEP as your preferred incubator.
  • An eligibility check is done to ensure your startup meets all criteria.
  • Review by experts – a selection committee of industry professionals evaluates your application.
  • Shortlisting is based on your business model, innovation, and potential impact.
  • Selected startups receive funding support and personalized mentorship.
  1.  

The SISFS program is ongoing, with applications accepted on a rolling basis. Selection rounds are conducted periodically. After an initial screening, shortlisted startups pitch before the ISMC members for final selection.

From the date of application to the conclusion of the selection process, the entire procedure typically takes 2 to 3 months.

Interested founders can apply anytime through the STEP website.

Applying through STEP gives you:

  1. A gender-responsive support system designed for women and non-binary founders
  2. Strategic mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and experts
  3. Access to funding through grants and debt support
  4. National visibility via events, showcases, and ecosystem networks
  5. Tailored guidance to help you grow from idea to impact

Stanford Seed Spark – FAQ

Stanford Seed Spark is a 5-month online entrepreneurship program offered in partnership with Stanford University. Led by the University, the program is designed to support early-stage startups and provides expert mentorship, a comprehensive business toolkit, and rich opportunities for peer learning and collaboration.

As a trusted partner, STEP plays a key role in nominating and supporting selected incubatees for the program. Additionally, STEP collaborates with fellow incubators across India to extend this opportunity to a wider network of women entrepreneurs.

  • 5-month structured online learning experience
  • Business tools and frameworks developed by Stanford faculty
  • One-on-one mentorship and feedback
  • Interactive sessions with a diverse peer group of entrepreneurs

Startups are nominated by STEP to participate in the Stanford Seed Spark program. To be eligible for nomination, you must be part of the STEP community.

If you’re currently part of an incubation program run by another organization, you can still apply through STEP. In this case, please ask your incubator to connect with us directly for more information about the application process.

  • Entrepreneurs from anywhere in India
  • Must be a registered business entity
  • Should be generating revenue (up to ₹2 crores annually)
  • Must have a validated proof of concept

 STEP acts as a key ecosystem partner for Stanford Seed Spark, offering personalized support, community access, and guidance throughout the program journey.

The STEP Community – FAQ

If you’re a woman entrepreneur, you can join the STEP community by filling out our Expression of Interest form. Upon due diligence, you’ll be added to our exclusive WhatsApp community group.

The STEP community currently has 800+ active women entrepreneurs from across India, representing a diverse range of sectors and business stages.

As a member of the STEP community, you gain access to a dynamic ecosystem designed to fuel your entrepreneurial journey.

  • Collaborate with a network of like-minded founders working across diverse sectors—share insights, explore partnerships, and tackle challenges together.
  • Tap into collective knowledge through curated peer learning sessions, access to expert-led discussions, and resource-sharing platforms tailored to help you scale faster and smarter.
  • Stay ahead with early access to exclusive STEP programs, events, funding opportunities, and accelerators like the Stanford Seed Spark program.
  • Grow within a supportive entrepreneurial network that celebrates your wins, supports you through setbacks, and actively contributes to your personal and business development.
Need Help?