The Schaeffler India Social Innovator Fellowship Program 2025 is a transformative initiative designed to identify nurture and empower young innovators who are developing sustainable solutions to address pressing social and environmental challenges. As part of Schaeffler India’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative HOPE this program aims to bridge financial gaps and provide structured mentorship to early-stage startups and NGOs. With a focus on environmental sustainability renewable energy circular economy and technology-driven social impact the fellowship seeks to catalyze systemic change by supporting scalable and commercially viable prototypes.
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This year the program offers 10 selected fellows a grant of INR 1.75 lakh each along with a 24-week hybrid mentorship program at IIMA Ventures IIM Ahmedabad. Fellows will gain access to Schaeffler India’s extensive network India Accelerator’s expertise and a dynamic community of like-minded innovators. The initiative underscores Schaeffler’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth sustainable development and technological innovation in India. If you are an aspiring changemaker aged 18-35 with a functional prototype this is your opportunity to amplify your impact.
Key Highlights
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Schaeffler India |
| Fellowship Grant | INR 1.75 Lakh per Fellow |
| Mentorship | 24-Week Hybrid Program at IIMA Ventures IIM Ahmedabad |
| Eligibility | Indian Residents (18-35 Years) with a Working Prototype |
| Join WhatsApp | Click Here |
| Join Telegram | Click Here |
| Official Website | Visit Here |
Objectives and Vision
The Schaeffler India Social Innovator Fellowship Program 2025 is rooted in the belief that innovation and sustainability must go hand in hand to drive meaningful societal change. The program targets young entrepreneurs researchers and NGOs working on environmental conservation renewable energy carbon neutrality and technology applications in the social sector. By providing financial support mentorship and networking opportunities Schaeffler India aims to accelerate the development of scalable solutions that can address India’s most pressing challenges.
The fellowship is structured to encourage risk-taking and experimentation while ensuring that projects are economically viable and sustainable. Selected fellows will undergo a rigorous 24-week mentorship program at IIMA Ventures where they will receive guidance on business modeling scaling strategies and investor engagement. This holistic approach ensures that innovators not only refine their prototypes but also develop the leadership skills needed to drive long-term impact.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Schaeffler India Social Innovator Fellowship 2025 applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Must be between 18 and 35 years as of 1st July 2025.
- Residency: Open only to Indian residents.
- Project Stage: Early-stage startups or NGOs with a functional prototype (conceptual ideas or mock-ups are not eligible).
- Focus Areas: Projects must align with environmental sustainability renewable energy circular economy natural resource management or technology for social good.
- Submission Requirements: Applicants must submit an idea pitch deck (PDF under 4 MB) and a 90-120-second video explaining their innovation.
The program explicitly excludes established commercial ventures ensuring that support reaches those who need it most at the early stages of development.
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Benefits and Rewards
Selected fellows will receive a grant of INR 1.75 lakh to further develop their prototypes. Beyond financial assistance the program offers:
- Mentorship: A 24-week hybrid mentorship program at IIMA Ventures IIM Ahmedabad covering business strategy scaling and impact measurement.
- Networking: Access to Schaeffler India’s industry partners investors and innovation ecosystem.
- Visibility: Opportunities to showcase solutions to potential investors and policymakers.
- Community Support: Entry into a fellowship network of like-minded innovators for collaboration and knowledge sharing.
This comprehensive support system ensures that fellows are equipped with the tools resources and guidance needed to transform their ideas into impactful solutions.
Application Process and Important Dates
The application process for the Schaeffler India Social Innovator Fellowship 2025 is entirely online. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Register/Login on the official Buddy4Study portal.
- Fill the Application Form with personal and project details.
- Upload Required Documents:
- Idea Pitch Deck (PDF under 4 MB)
- 90-120-Second Video Pitch
- Aadhaar Card & Passport-Sized Photo
- Submit Before the Deadline: 25th August 2025.
Important Dates:
- Application Opens: 30th July 2025
- Last Date to Apply: 25th August 2025
- Fellow Selection: September 2025 (Tentative)
- Mentorship Begins: October 2025
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered so applicants must ensure timely submission.
FAQs
1. Who can apply for the Schaeffler India Social Innovator Fellowship?
The fellowship is open to Indian residents aged 18-35 with early-stage startups or NGOs that have a working prototype in areas like environmental sustainability renewable energy or social tech. Established businesses are not eligible.
2. What is the selection process?
Applications undergo a multi-stage evaluation including document screening virtual interviews and a final pitch presentation before a panel of experts from Schaeffler India and India Accelerator.
3. What support do selected fellows receive?
Fellows get INR 1.75 lakh in funding 24 weeks of mentorship at IIMA Ventures and access to Schaeffler’s innovation network for scaling their solutions.
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | Visit Here |
| Short URL | www.b4s.in/jksu/SIA4 |
