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NSRCEL Impact Orbit

PrivateActive1 program

NSRCEL's social-impact incubation track at IIM Bangalore, running since 2017, with verticals for tech-enabled social innovation, skilling and livelihoods, and AgeTech.

nsrceliim-bangaloresocial-enterpriseimpact

Overview

Impact Orbit is NSRCEL's social entrepreneurship vertical, supporting social enterprises since 2017. It works with both for-profit and non-profit ventures that already have proven pilots.

It runs as separate verticals, each with its own intake: Tech-Enabled Social Innovations, Skilling and Livelihood Innovations (run with Capgemini), and AgeTech Innovations (a Capgemini CSR initiative). Idea-stage ventures are directed to NSRCEL's Launchpad instead.

Past Programs(1)

Eligibility

  • A registered for-profit or non-profit entity, in operation for at least a year.
  • MVP to growth stage, with a proven pilot and early customers.
  • At least one full-time founder.
  • Impact-first, with direct potential to impact at least three UN Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Idea-stage ventures should look at Launchpad instead.

Benefits

  • Clarity in value proposition and business model.
  • Alternate sources of funding and fundraising readiness.
  • Legal and compliance support.
  • Impact measurement readiness and leadership capacity building.
  • One-on-one mentoring from domain experts.
  • Grants and introductions to impact investors for selected ventures.

How to Apply

Fill the Express Your Interest form on the vertical's page; the link to the full application appears after you submit it. For-profit and non-profit ventures use separate forms. Questions go to nsrcel.social@nsrcel.iimb.ac.in.

Selection Criteria

An online application with a pitch deck → an internal review with the programme team → an external panel, where you pitch for about six to seven minutes → due diligence → onboarding. Selection is competitive, and a place in the programme does not by itself guarantee a grant.

Program Structure

  • Duration: generally eight to nine months, varying by cohort.
  • Tech-Enabled Social Innovations: tech-enabled or digitally inclusive solutions to social problems.
  • Skilling and Livelihood Innovations: youth employment, future-ready skills, self-employment, rural incomes and inclusive economic participation, with attention to non-metro and rural India.
  • AgeTech Innovations: preventive and chronic care, home-based care, mobility and assistive products, financial and legal security, and social wellbeing for older adults.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a non-profit apply to NSRCEL Impact Orbit?

Yes. Impact Orbit accepts both registered for-profit and non-profit ventures, through separate application forms.

Is Impact Orbit for idea-stage social ventures?

No. It expects at least a year of operation and a proven pilot. NSRCEL points idea-stage ventures to Launchpad.

What are the Impact Orbit verticals?

Tech-Enabled Social Innovations, Skilling and Livelihood Innovations, and AgeTech Innovations. Each runs its own intake.