Villgro Innovation Foundation and CISCO India Cash Grant Programme have collaborated to launch TVARAN, an initiative to support the growth of women-led enterprises seeking to solve climate-centric issues. The venture programme aims to promote start-ups led by women looking for innovative ideas in renewable energy, water, and waste management. 

According to the World Economic Forum Data, women are more affected due to climate change than men. However,  Greentech (green technology) remains a predominantly male-occupied field. The inaccessibility to the market seems to be the primary challenge for women entrepreneurs in this field. The venture aims to address this issue through focused market entry and market expansion programs to five of the women-led start-ups in India. “TVARAN has been born out of the belief to increase the market presence of women-led solutions to climate change. We are grateful to have found a committed partner in CISCO towards this mission,” said Jenaan Lilani Bhargava, Chief Operating Officer, Villgro Innovations Foundation. 

The high-engagement initiative is designed to finance and implement go-to-market strategies for women entrepreneurs. Through the acceleration program, both CISCO and Villgro will deploy support mechanisms through the financial assistance of Rs 1 crore (up to Rs 20 lakhs per start-up). Both firms will also be helping women-centric start-ups in capacity building, business planning, mentorship, and peer learning. 

“Powering an inclusive future for all is CISCO’s purpose. Through our partnership with Villgro, we are announcing our commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs driving climate resilience through their businesses. We are excited at this unique opportunity and look forward to staying closely engaged with the startups,” said Harish Krishnan, Managing Director, CISCO India, and SAARC.

“Villgro's work with women entrepreneurs has had a steadfast focus on market access enablement. That is where we believe ecosystem support is yet inadequate, and where Villgro can add the most value. TVARAN has been born out of this belief, to increase the market presence of women-led solutions to climate change. We are grateful to have found a committed partner in CISCO towards this mission,” Janan Lilani Bhargava, COO of Villgro Innovation Foundation said

TVARAN is now looking for new applications. Start-ups in the climate action sector, founded or co-founded by women entrepreneurs with at least 50 per cent shareholding, and key decision-making roles, are eligible to apply.