In a bid to tackle Bengaluru’s urban challenges with innovative solutions, WTFund, an investment initiative by Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, has partnered with the UnboxingBLR Foundation, a not-for-profit organization focused on Bengaluru, to launch the Namma Bengaluru Challenge. The initiative is aimed at fostering sustainable projects that address key issues within the city, awarding Rs 10 lakh each to five selected entrepreneurs, startups, or community organizations.
The selected projects will be evaluated based on their innovation, impact, feasibility, scalability, and commitment. The objective of the challenge is to support bold and effective solutions that contribute to a better urban environment in Bengaluru, often dubbed India’s Silicon Valley.
Kamath expressed his personal connection to the city and his vision for the challenge, stating: “Bengaluru has given me the appetite to build, to push boundaries, and the hunger to drive forward with purpose. This city isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a breeding ground for ambition and audacity. This challenge is for the thinkers, the doers, and everyone in between who believes they can shape the city for the better.”
Malini Goyal, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of UnboxingBLR, highlighted the foundation’s commitment to giving back to the city that inspired its inception. “This challenge is about encouraging groundbreaking solutions that will have lasting benefits for our communities, and we’re eager to see the ideas that emerge,” she said.
To apply, participants are required to complete a form on UnboxingBLR’s official website and submit a short video introducing themselves and their proposed solutions. Shortlisted applicants will participate in virtual interviews, with the top five selected receiving grants of Rs 10 lakh each. They will also have the opportunity to present their projects at the Futures Conference, a part of the BLR Hubba city-wide cultural festival, scheduled to run from November 30 to December 15, 2024.
With the Namma Bengaluru Challenge, WTFund and UnboxingBLR Foundation aim to empower local changemakers and encourage solutions that address the city’s pressing urban challenges, fostering a legacy of innovation and community impact.
