Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) and Entrepreneurs for Impact (E4i)
A programme by Social Alpha
Two fellowship tracks that bring in individuals to commercialise deep-science lab innovations or train as first-time impact entrepreneurs.
At a glance
| Best for | Individuals looking to become entrepreneurs, not existing start-ups |
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About Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) and Entrepreneurs for Impact (E4i)
Social Alpha runs two fellowship tracks alongside its incubation programmes. The Entrepreneur-in-Residence programme brings in individuals from any background — corporate, government, scientific or entrepreneurial — to work with research institutions and commercialise existing deep-science lab innovations. Entrepreneurs for Impact (E4i), described as Social Alpha's flagship fellowship, is a hands-on, experiential programme for people who want to become entrepreneurs: it takes them from observing problems on the ground, through validating a theory of change and building prototypes, to developing a preliminary business plan and, where a good fit exists, forming a co-founding team.
Who can apply: For EIR, individuals from any background with a strong belief they can help India tackle social, economic or environmental challenges. E4i is aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs-in-the-making rather than existing start-up founders.
Where to apply
Other Social Alpha programmes
- Techtonic: Innovations for SustainabilitySocial Alpha's current Techtonic edition, scouting innovations across the energy transition, new materials and natural resources.
- Techtonic: Innovations in Clean EnergyA closed Techtonic edition that scouted renewable-energy, energy-efficiency and clean-energy-access innovations.
- Atal Incubation Centre – Social Alpha (AIC)A NITI Aayog Atal Innovation Mission incubation centre focused on climate, health and livelihoods start-ups.
- SpaceTech Innovation Network (SpIN)A lab-to-market platform for space-technology start-ups, supported by ISRO, with rolling applications.
- mach33.aeroA joint initiative with CSIR-NAL supporting aviation, aerospace and space-tech start-ups from a lab in Bengaluru.
- Department of Science and Technology NIDHI Seed Support SchemeA DST-backed seed fund giving grant support to start-ups already in Social Alpha's incubation programme.
- CEIBIC CleanTech ChallengeA closed clean-energy challenge run through the Clean Energy Innovation and Business Incubation Centre, with a preference for Kerala-based start-ups.
- Krishi Mangal (with Cisco CSR)A recurring agri-focused accelerator with Cisco CSR, now in its third edition, for start-ups supporting smallholder-farmer resilience.