Social enterprises in India have endeavored to address some of the country's most pressing social issues in a variety of ways, from social fashion initiatives to the creation of comprehensive healthcare clinics.
Some of the socio-economic issues facing India include poverty and food-insecurity, sanitation, human trafficking and overpopulation.
Several social incubators and supporters have emerged with a focus on India, like Unltd India and Aavishkaar, while nonprofit agencies like Shop for Change aims to address the devastating peril facing marginalized farmers in the South Asian nation by enabling rural workers to reach fair trade certification. Another example of innovative philanthropic investment is the Chetna Organic cooperative, which seeks to enable ethical supply chains from India that will benefit the lives of small farmers.
With the influx of India-centered incubators, there will be a continued emergence of innovative social enterprises in India in the near future.
41 Social Enterprises in India
Businesses Helping to Address the Nation's Pressing Issues:
Rebecca Byers — Aug 12, 2012 — Social Good
41
Hip Guilt-Free Tees
No Nasties Makes Fairly Traded Organic Cotton Shirts in India
40
Patterned Pocket Tees
Serengetee Makes Worldly T-Shirts That Support International Causes
39
Abuse-Free Indian Carpets
Jaipur Rugs Creates Tantalizing Products for You to Happily Walk On
38
Antislavery Pants
Punjammies by Women Who Have Escaped Prostitution in India
37
Adventures with Purpose
Sam Bruce Shares 10 Ethical Holiday Providers of Sustainable Tourism
36
Majority World Tech Incubators
D-Rev Designs Solution-Driven Products for Low-Income Customers
35
Socially Responsible Accessories
Raven & Lily Provides Employment For Female Artisans
34
Economically Empowering Jewelry Programs
Senhoa Benefits Survivors of Human Trafficking
33
Sustainable Assistance Accessories
Dolma Provides an Alternative Income to Struggling Communities
32
Old-World Textile Footwear
'Love is Mighty' is Fashion That Supports Rural Artisans in India
31
Fair Trade Accessories
Leather 'My Paper Bag' is Made by Craftsmen in India
30
Corporate Gifting for Good
Handcrafted Gifts from Zoe Alliance Offer Ethical Employment
29
Fair Trade Statement Jewelry
Raven + Lily Features Collections Benefiting HIV-Positive Women
28
Anti-Slavery Quilts
Anchal Provides Commercial Sex Slave Workers Alternatives to Exploitation
27
Opportunity-Providing Backpacks
Jatalo Products Help Supply Kids with a Year's Worth of Textbooks
26
Social Innovation Habitats
The Hub Network Helps to Incubate Ideas for Change Around the World
25
Life-Saving Baby Bags
The Embrace Infant Warmer Costs Less than 1% of Regular Incubators
24
Collaborative Artisan Cushions
Tilonia by Designing Hope is a Stylish and Altruistic Home Line
23
Environmentally Conscious Heating
BioLite Provides Clean and Affordable Energy Worldwide
22
Magnanimous Mailing Services
Mumbai's Mirakle Couriers Gives the Disadvantaged Much-Needed Work
21
Inclusive Economic Development
Aavishkaar Invests in Rural Communities Through Entrepreneurs
20
Anti-Oppression Accessories
Priya Provides Sex Crime Victims the Chance to Change Their Lives
19
One-Man Nomad Charities
The Dirty Wall Project by Kane Ryan is Absolutely Inspiring
18
BoP Energy Solutions
ONergy Works in Rural India Toward Sustainability and Equity
17
Safe Trash Enterprises
Waste Ventures Incubates and Empowers Garbage Collectors
16
Museum Social Enterprises
Rainworks Omnimedia Supports Clean Water and Literacy Programs
15
Slavery-Targeting Enterprise Accelerators
Not For Sale Endeavors to Fight Human Trafficking
14
Majority World Cold Storage
Promethean Power Systems is a Social Business Providing Refrigeration
13
Social Business Supporters
Ankur Capital Helps Impact-Driven Businesses in India Succeed
12
Sustaining Rural Development
Barefoot College Supports Professionals in the Majority World
11
Distinctive Crafty Notes
My Card My Story Empowers Children in Mumbai by Showcasing Their Art
10
Crowdsourcing H2O Texts
NextDrop Uses SMS to Make Water Service More Reliable in India
9
Conscious Business Services
Shop for Change Empowers Farmers Through Fair Trade Certification
8
Rechargeable Solar Lights
One Million Lights Wants to Replace Dangerous Kerosene Lamps
7
Socially Conscious Outsourcing
Samasource Micro-Tasks Employ the World's Less Fortunate
6
Venture Philanthropy Co-ops
Chetna Organic Seeks to Enable Ethical Supply Chains from India
5
Franchised H2O Solutions
Sarvajal Aims to Solve the Clean Water Problem in India
4
Innovative Eye Care
VisionSpring is a Social Enterprise Selling Eyeglasses to Developing Countries
3
Maternal Health Marketplaces
Maternova is a Socially Driven For-Profit Making Products Available
2
Altruistic Innovation Incubators
Unltd India is a Launch Pad for Budding Social Entrepreneurs
1
Social Enterprise Magazines
Beyond Profit Provides Content to Spark Positive Change
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Eco-Friendly Offices
Office@27 by Sanjay Puri Architects is Enhanced by Ancient Indian Principles
Sustainable Packaging Initiatives
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Indian Content Creation Platforms
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Hormone-Friendly Ayurvedic Skincare Brands
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Creativity-Centered Workshops
Gap's Workshop Initiative Empowers Local Makers in San Francisco
Sustainability-Driven Fashion Campaigns
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Ethical Coffee Partnerships
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Sustainable Indian Streetwear Lines
Cloveify Wearables Launches its New Sustainable Clothing Line
Affordable Housing Prototypes
Harshit Singh Kothari and Tanvi Jai Complete the Tiny House
Esports CSR Initiatives
The Global Esports Federation Launched a Global Social Impact Initiative
Ethical Organic Cotton Apparel
The Sport Sweatshirt From Industry Of All Nations is Timeless
Cancer Patient Nutrition Initiatives
FarmboxRx and Unite for HER Partnered to Offer Free Groceries
Inventive Retail Strategies
H&M is Working to Localize Its Shopping Experience
AI Startup Idea Generators
IdeaPicker Scours Reddit to Discover Your Next Big Idea
Delivery-Based Food Rescue Initiatives
Albertsons Companies and Uber Partner on Food Rescue
Circular Fashion-Enabling Partnerships
Coach and Poshmark's Collaboration Makes Buyer Resale Easy
Charity Health-Tech Apps
Helpster Charity Connects Sectors to provide Essential Healthcare
Eco-Friendly Pop-Up Restaurants
The Green Vic is End-to-End Sustainable in London
Supplier Diversity Initiatives
Diageo's Procurement Strategy Promotes Inclusion and Empowerment
Teen Skincare Hubs
Indu 101 Educates, Empowers and Inspires Young Beauty Consumers
Multi-Use Non-Payment Wallets
Google Wallet India Unveils an Expansion for Non-Payment Services
Gen Z-Focused Video Campaigns
Astroyogi is Introducing a New Campaign that Aims to Attract Gen Z
Healthcare Innovation-Enhancing Platforms
Chiesi Launches 'The Impulse' for Healthcare Innovations
Textile Recycling Solutions
SuperCircle Secures $7M to Enhance Textile Recycling Infrastructure
Eco-Friendly Pet Programs
Mars Petcare and Big Idea Ventures Launch a Sustainable Pet Food Program
Sustainable Agriculture Initiatives
Sadot Group Inc. Announced the 'Outgrower' Initaitive
Wellness Lifestyle Clubs
The Health Cafe Introduces Social Wellness Programming in Toronto
Supportive Entrepreneur Communities
Ooutliers Shares Insights From Successful Startups
Social Marketplace Updates
Instagram Launches a Marketplace to Better Connect Brands and Creators
Ayurveda Cuisine-Centric Wellness Retreats
Ananda in the Himalayas Emphasizes Ayurveda Cuisine
Digital Food Insecurity Platforms
Community Food Centres Canada Introduces Food Security Now
Eco-Friendly Indian Fashion
Latin Quarters Debuts a Stylish Capsule Using Sustainable Practices
Heritage-Inspired Cup Capsules
Starbucks and New Era Unveil a New Collection for Indian Customers
Educational Affordable Housing Initiatives
Habitat for Humanity Guelph Wellington is Uniting Youth
Sleek E-Waste-Reducing Computers
Wipro Infotech Unveils a New Line of Eco-Friendly Computers
Regenerative Apparel Collections
ace&jig Launch the Sustainably Crafted 'Regenerative Collection'
AI-Powered Employee Surveys
Inpulse's AI-Powered Survey Platform Improves the Employee Experience
Experimental Cuboid Exhibition Spaces
Sār Unveils the Experimental Sār Residence by Girish Doshi
Gen Alpha Kitchenware Brands
'Basil' Raised Roughly $440,000 USD to Scale its D2C Kitchenwares
Entrepreneur-Focused Online Marketplaces
Agora Exchange Caters to the Need of Creatives and More
Sustainable Turkish Textile Initiatives
ILO Turkiye and Ekodoku Aim to Boost Eco-Friendly Textiles
Sustainable Hospitality Cleaning Solutions
Kärcher India Leads Sustainable Cleaning in Hospitality
Sustainable Funding Summits
Emerald Summit Connects Climate Innovators with Impact Investors
Eco-Conscious Production Facilities
Soorty Enterprises Achieves SBTi Validation for Its Eco Goals
Environmental Sustainability Business Initiatives
Butterfly Pavilion Organized a Special Coalition
Sustainable Zero Waste Initiatives
LILYSILK is Unveiling a Series of New Zero Waste Initiatives
Startup Name Generators
FindName Suggests Countless Ideas to Help Name Your New Business
Social Justice Desert Campaigns
Ben & Jerry's 'Make Some Motherchunkin' Change' Campaign Debuted
LGBTQ Employee Programs
Intuit India's Partnership with Leading With Pride Supports LGTBQ Workers
Diabetes Research Crowdfunding Campaigns
Supersapiens Expands into the Diabetes Market
Localized Enterprise Programs
Unilever Introduced a Suppliers’ Recruitment Drive in Thailand
Marketing Social Advocacy Tools
Nut Tree Helps Smaller Brands Boost Their Presence
APPI Eco-Friendly Furniture
Sabai Design is a Sustainable Furniture Disruptor Led by Woman Founder
AI-Powered Fundraising Platforms
Socap.ai Simplifies Startup Fundraising and Expands Networks
Forest-Protecting Fashion Brand Initiatives
Canopy Leads an Initiative To Save the Forests
Luxury Olympic Partnerships
BEAUTIFUL INDIA Becomes the Official Partner of India House
Eco-Conscious Product Lines
Birla Cellulose Designs a Sustainable Apparel Line with Ka-Sha
Educational Agriculture Platforms
The Accountability Framework Initiative Emphasizes Ethics
Eco-Minded Leather Variants
Tata International's New Eco-Friendly Leather Hopes to Spark Change
Made-to-Order Baby Food
Indian Startup Timios Launched a "Made to Order" Fresh Baby Food Category
Toxic-Free Election Challenges
Stonyfield Organic Addresses Both Environmental and Social Concerns
Corporate Inclusion Transformations
Walmart Leads Major Shift in Corporate Diversity Strategies
Sustainable Textile Industry Practice
Soorty Introduces the Soorty Regenagri Initiative (SRI)
Inclusive Social Housing Projects
Peris + Toral Arquitectes Design 85 Social Dwellings in Cornellà
Public Investment Opportunities
Steeped Coffee Offers a Unique Investment Opportunity
Sustainably Designed Mumbai Offices
Sanjay Puri Architects Designs the Office@27 Workspace
Sustainable Pooja Products
Kalyanamm's New Line of Pooja Essentials is Eco-Friendly and Vegan
Social Good Computer Drives
Digitunity Partners with OBAE to Address Technological Barriers
Sustainable Finance Accelerators
Commerzbank Taps Tenity for a New Sustainable Finance Accelerator
Automotive Emissions Control Solutions
BASF Catalysts India Private Limited Opens a New Lab
Youth Education Partnerships
FP Markets and Cricket Brasil Debuted a Youth Development Initiative
Chronic Desease Advocacy Groups
A Coalition of Wellness Companies Form End Chronic Disease
Sustainable Travel Methods
Intrepid Unveils a Sustainable Travel Service to Incentivize Rail Usage
Athlete-Inspired AI Brand Campaigns
AngelAi Taps a Groups of Athletes to Promote Its Ethos
Mental Health-Focused Brand Initiatives
Maybelline New York Partners with WHO Foundation
Anniversary-Celebrating Nonprofit Partnerships
LILYSILK Engages in Philanthropic Partnerships
Indian Millet Brand Debuts
Ramoji Group's Sabala Millet Brand Has Launched in India
Male-Targeted Emotional-Wellness Initiatives
Movemeber's Latest Grant Focuses on Indigenous Men
At-Risk Youth-Targeted Initiatives
Victoria's Secret Notes Its Work with Pacific Links Foundation
AI Business Consultants
15-Minute Business Plans Helps Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
Festive Eco-Friendly Apparel
EarthyTweens Offers Up a New Clothing Capsule for the Holidays
Eco-Conscious Beauty Lines
dhartii is Introducing a New Beauty & Skincare Category
Disaster Relief-Supporting Pr Initiatives
Publicity for Good Supports Hurricane Helene Relief
Mango-Scented Newspaper Ads
Swiggy Instamart Launched a Scented Campaign in the Times of India
Eco Meal Program Initiatives
The Home Chef Food Rescue Program Redirects Surplus and Waste
AI-Driven Office Expansions
IBM is Expanding Its Technology Expert Labs in Markham, Ontario
Social Connection-Focused Initiatives
Meals on Wheels America Combats Loneliness Among Seniors
Niche Community Builders
Socially is the Community Builder Platform for Niche Creators Everywhere
Food Insecurity-Addressing Partnerships
TUMS and Second Harvest Address Food Insecurity in Canada
Entrepreneur Support Communities
Hustle Cafe is an Online Space for Founders to Connect and Grow
Expansive Inclusivity Initiatives
Boathouse Group Implements a Supplier Diversity Program
Sustainable Idol-Finding Apps
Maharashtra Pollution Control Board Unveils a New Ganesha App
Millet-Based Healthy Snacks
Govindjee Unveils a New Selection of Millet-Based Products
Carefully Vetted Homestays
Adventure Homestay Connects Travelers to Host Families
Sustainable Indian Curds
Khyber Agro Debuts a Sustainable Curd Product in a New Packaging Format
Network-Connecting AI Solutions
Village AI Connect with Your Network to Close Deals
Social Isolation-Combating Platforms
TimeBank by Healthfirst Foundation Has Debuted a New Platform
Connective Non-Profit Funding
Wingtap Connects Users with Charities in Need of Fund
Effective Work Environment Technology
HP Inc. Unveils Advancements Within Its Workforce Solutions
Inventive Charity Initiatives
Spark Financial's Annual Charity Initiative is for Autism Awareness
Nutrition Brand Investment Rounds
Squared Circles Plans to Launch Five Brands in the Near Future
Regional Gaming Platforms
Indian Esports Group 'AA Gaming' Launched 'AA Play' Platform
Eco-Conscious Workshop Experiences
Six Senses Vana Celebrates Environment Day with its Earth Lab
Pest-Fighting Crop Lines
Coromandel International Debuts 10 Products to Enhance Indian Crop Growth
Explorative Entrepreneur Ideas
Hustle Momumtum Invites You to Discover and Launch Side Hustles
Refugee-Supporting Workplace Initiatives
IKEA is Extending its Refugee Employment Pilot
Aggregated Social Insights
IndiePulse Uses Forum and Thread Comments to Find Your Next Projects
Tropical Modernism Stage Designs
A Team of Designers Form a South Asian Stage at Glastonbury
Collaborative Homelessness Initiatives
AMH Joins HomeAid to Address the Homelessness Crisis
Sustainable Water Equity Funds
Candriam Unveils a New Water Conservation Fund for Businesses
Forest-Preserving Brand Initiatives
Three Prominent Chinese Fashion Companies Join Canopy
Shared Kitchen Initatives
Metro & Food Banks of Quebec Address Food Insecurity
Empowering Home Improvement Initiatives
Resurfacing Solutions Offers Mentorship & Ownership
Female Orphanage Initiatives
OTB Foundation Supports an Orphanage with Jil Sander Initiative
Children-Focused Literacy Campaigns
Scholastic Focuses on Expanding Access to Books
Accessible Home Services Marketplaces
Urban Company Recently Made Its Platform More Accessible
Empowering Educational Initiatives
Sight School Empowers Individuals with Visual Impairments
Sustainable Barley-Growing Systems
Chivas Brothers Unveils a New Sustainable Agriculture Program
AI-Led Engineering Transformations
Infosys & Telstra Enter a Strategic Multi-Year Collaboration
Entrepreneurial Journey Insights
Founder Folks Teaches You How Founders Launched Their Business
Grassroots Esports Companies
Sunny Lohia and Abhijeet Andhare Launch Trident Gaming in India
Mental Health Community Engagement
OOt Social Health Recently Launched Its Application
Summer-Ready Organic Apparel
Priyankara Launches a Sustainable Organic Cotton Collection
Empowering Nonprofit Organizations
NTI is Committed to Supporting the Disability Community
In-Person Community Builders
Spon Empowers People to Build Up Their Communities
Charitable Esports Projects
Epic Foundation Launches the Esports for Good Initiative
Entrepreneurial Community Building
VenturePals Steps in to Help Solo Entrepreneurs Find Community
Entrepreneur-Specific Global Hubs
Endeavor Has Launched a New Global Hub in London
Local Economic Growth Initiatives
Hershey's is Supporting Village Savings and Loan Associations
Growth-Based Marketing Platforms
Crowdtiv Connects Mentors and Mentees to Grow Businesses
Toxin-Free Product Marketplaces
Likha Collab Highlights Eco-Conscious Brands from the Phillipines
Youth-Focused Non-Profit Programs
In Tandem's Youth Voice Fellowship Offers Paid Opportunities
Community Cohesion-Promoting Grocery Campaigns
EDEKA Provides Insights of Neighborhood Relations
Streamlined Start-Up Job Searching
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