PCP, AIC ISB and NICEorg have joined hands to empower culture and heritage-driven startups in Punjab and nearby regions, transforming them into scalable and sustainable enterprises.
For generations, India’s tier 2 and 3 cities have been the custodians of rich heritage and culture. Now, with a modern approach, this accelerator program will equip these startups with world-class resources, helping them build robust business models, access funding opportunities, and expand their market reach—while staying true to their cultural roots.
Focus Areas
Food & Beverages
Experiential Tourism
Fashion & Accessories
Health, Beauty & Wellness
Home Decor & Furnishings
Eligibility
- Registered Company under Companies Act, 2013
- Must be registered in North India or actively working with artisans in or sourcing products from North India
- Must have been in existence for at least 1 year
- Should have a minimum annual turnover of INR 1 lakh
- Must be an impact-driven solution working in 5 thematic areas: Fashion and accessories, home decor and furnishings, health, beauty and wellness, food and beverages, experiential tourism
Program Offerings
Access to INR 1,00,000 Grant Support
1-1 Mentoring from partner Angel Investors
Masterclasses by Industry Leaders
Capacity Building Sessions
Brand Building & Storytelling
Revenue Acceleration Support
Access to Credit Support by Service Providers
Access to 4500 strong NICEorg network
Investor Connects and Fundraising Support
Program Timeline
Call for Applications
Shortlisting
Program Phase
Demo Day
1
2
3
4
Meet the Cultural Changemakers
“At Inara Home, we believe that every handcrafted piece holds a story—of tradition, community, and timeless design. Culture-driven startups have the power to preserve heritage while creating products that feel right at home in the modern world.”
Polin Srivastava, Founder, Inara Home
“At Earthyweaves, culture is woven into every thread. We are carrying forward a legacy—reviving forgotten weaves, empowering artisans, and making handloom a part of everyday life again. It’s not just fashion; it’s a cultural movement rooted in sustainability, dignity, and mindful creation—honouring our roots while building a more inclusive and sustainable future.”
Swetali Mahapatra, Founder, Earthyweaves
“At Nutrezy, we believe that healthy eating shouldn’t be a compromise. Our mission is to make nutrition easy and enjoyable, crafting wholesome, preservative-free snacks that nourish the body and delight the taste buds.With Nutrezy we believe in making nutrition easy”
Team Nutrezy
“At Fermoscapes, innovation begins in the soil and ends in stories. We’re reimagining how spaces feel—using conscious materials, indigenous techniques, and circular design to build a lifestyle rooted in nature and intention.”
Team Fermoscapes
Market Access Partners
Ecosystem/Outreach Partners
Media Partner
For queries, write to us:
isha_handa@aicisb.org / contact@aicisb.org / punjabculturalproject.pcp@gmail.com
FAQs
Yes, the startup must be a registered entity under the Companies Act, 2013 to be eligible.
The Applicant will be evaluated against following parameters:
- Team Capabilities
- Impact Potential
- Scalability Potential
- Market Potential
No, there isn’t any program fee or success fee associated with the program.
Yes, there is an equity component of up to 5% which will be evenly distributed amongst the angel investors.
The program follows a hybrid model. It includes 12 virtual masterclasses and 3 online industry talks, complemented by 3 in-person immersion sessions.
On average, the weekly time commitment for the program will range between 4 to 10 hours.
It is mandatory for the founder to attend all sessions of the program. Additionally, relevant team members are encouraged to join based on the session’s focus. For example, if a session is centered around marketing, the founder can be accompanied by a member of the marketing team.