Top 10 Social Impact Startups in India
The top ten social impact startups in India are using creative thinking to promote positive change. Discover about cutting-edge organisations that are tackling important social issues in the areas of education, healthcare, renewable energy, financial inclusion, and rural development. Examples of these organisations include SELCO India, Goonj, Agastya International Foundation, Embrace Innovations, LabourNet, Rang De, Sarvajal, Barefoot College, and Haqdarshak. The number of social impact businesses in India is growing significantly. These companies seek to address important societal challenges and bring about positive change. These firms are addressing issues in fields like economic empowerment, sustainability, healthcare, and education by utilising creative solutions. These ten noteworthy Indian social impact firms are making big progress in their respective industries.
Table of Contents
1. SELCO India
SELCO India provides sustainable energy solutions to underserved communities. By deploying solar energy systems, SELCO aims to improve the quality of life and economic prospects of rural populations.
ASPECT | DETAILS |
---|---|
Founded | 1995 |
Headquarters | Bengaluru |
Services | Solar energy systems |
Key Features | Sustainable solutions, rural focus |
Website | selco-india.com |
SELCO India – Top 10 Social Impact Startups in India
2. Agastya International Foundation
Agastya International Foundation is dedicated to transforming education in rural India. Through innovative teaching methods and mobile science labs, it enhances creativity and critical thinking among children.
ASPECT | DETAILS |
---|---|
Founded | 1999 |
Headquarters | Bengaluru |
Services | Educational programs, mobile science labs |
Key Features | Innovative teaching, rural education |
Website | agastya.org |
Agastya International Foundation – Top 10 Social Impact Startups in India
3. Goonj
Goonj addresses urban-rural divides by repurposing urban waste into resources for rural development. Its initiatives include disaster relief, rural livelihood programs, and community welfare projects.
ASPECT | DETAILS |
---|---|
Founded | 1999 |
Headquarters | New Delhi |
Services | Disaster relief, rural livelihood, community welfare |
Key Features | Repurposing urban waste, holistic development |
Website | goonj.org |
Goonj – Top 10 Social Impact Startups in India
4. Rang De
Rang De is a peer-to-peer lending platform that connects urban lenders with rural borrowers. It provides affordable microloans to underserved communities, promoting financial inclusion and economic empowerment.
ASPECT | DETAILS |
---|---|
Founded | 2008 |
Headquarters | Bengaluru |
Services | Microloans, financial inclusion |
Key Features | Peer-to-peer lending, economic empowerment |
Website | rangde.in |
Rang De – Top 10 Social Impact Startups in India
5. LabourNet
LabourNet provides skill development and employment services to informal sector workers. It offers training, certification, and job placement, enhancing the employability and livelihoods of low-income individuals.
ASPECT | DETAILS |
---|---|
Founded | 2006 |
Headquarters | Bengaluru |
Services | Skill development, employment services |
Key Features | Training, certification, job placement |
Website | labournet.in |
LabourNet – Top 10 Social Impact Startups in India
6. Saahas Zero Waste
Saahas Zero Waste offers waste management solutions that promote recycling and sustainability. It works with communities and businesses to implement effective waste segregation, recycling, and composting practices.
ASPECT | DETAILS |
---|---|
Founded | 2001 |
Headquarters | Bengaluru |
Services | Waste management, recycling, composting |
Key Features | Sustainability, community engagement |
Website | saahaszerowaste.com |
Saahas Zero Waste – Top 10 Social Impact Startups in India
7. Araku Coffee
Araku Coffee is a social enterprise that empowers tribal farmers in the Araku Valley by promoting organic coffee cultivation. It provides training, fair trade practices, and market access, improving livelihoods.
ASPECT | DETAILS |
---|---|
Founded | 2007 |
Headquarters | Hyderabad |
Services | Organic coffee cultivation, fair trade |
Key Features | Farmer empowerment, sustainable practices |
Website | arakucoffee.in |
Araku Coffee – Top 10 Social Impact Startups in India
8. Pollinate Group
Pollinate Group focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs in underserved communities by providing them with access to affordable solar lights, clean cookstoves, and hygiene products, thereby improving health and economic outcomes.
ASPECT | DETAILS |
---|---|
Founded | 2012 |
Headquarters | Bengaluru |
Services | Solar lights, clean cookstoves, hygiene products |
Key Features | Women empowerment, health improvement |
Website | pollinategroup.org |
Pollinate Group – Top 10 Social Impact Startups in India
9. Haqdarshak
Haqdarshak helps citizens access government welfare schemes and services through a digital platform. It trains community entrepreneurs to assist people in navigating and applying for various schemes, promoting social welfare.
ASPECT | DETAILS |
---|---|
Founded | 2015 |
Headquarters | Pune |
Services | Welfare scheme access, digital platform |
Key Features | Community entrepreneurs, social welfare |
Website | haqdarshak.com |
Haqdarshak – Top 10 Social Impact Startups in India
10. Aavishkaar
Aavishkaar is an impact investment firm that supports early-stage enterprises with innovative solutions for social and environmental challenges. It provides funding, mentorship, and strategic support to promote sustainable development.
ASPECT | DETAILS |
---|---|
Founded | 2001 |
Headquarters | Mumbai |
Services | Impact investment, mentorship, strategic support |
Key Features | Sustainable development, early-stage enterprises |
Website | aavishkaar.in |
Aavishkaar – Top 10 Social Impact Startups in India
FAQs about Top 10 Social Impact Startups in India
- Q: What is a social impact startup?
A: A social impact startup is a business that aims to create positive social or environmental change while operating sustainably and often addressing issues such as poverty, education, healthcare, and sustainability. - Q: How do social impact startups differ from traditional businesses?
A: Social impact startups prioritize social and environmental goals alongside financial returns, often reinvesting profits into their mission to maximize positive impact. - Q: How can I support social impact startups?
A: You can support social impact startups by purchasing their products or services, investing in them, volunteering, or spreading awareness about their mission and impact. - Q: What are some common challenges faced by social impact startups?
A: Common challenges include securing funding, scaling operations, measuring impact, and balancing financial sustainability with social goals. - Q: How do social impact startups measure their success?
A: Success is measured through a combination of financial performance and social impact metrics, such as the number of beneficiaries, environmental benefits, and long-term community outcomes.