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
Related Ideas
Pop-Up Reverse Supermarkets
The Give Back Express Invites Shoppers to Buy and Donate Goods
Gen Z-Focused Fashion Labels
The 'MIXT' Label Caters to Youthful Fashion-Forward Indian Consumers
Low-Value Plastic Recycling Methods
Ashaya Aims to Reuse Non-Recyclable Plastic Packaging
Buddhist-Themed Utilitarian Streetwear
maharishi's New Capsule is Inspired by Buddhism & Halloween
Emerging Technology Publications
New Society Has Launched Its Inaugural Book About Technology
Eco Mission-Inspired Bracelets
Ecoalition Launches Eco-Friendly Bracelets to Support Its Mission
On-Demand Fashion Production
Shein Moves Away From its Fast Fashion Roots with New Manufacturing
Digital Sustainable Food Solutions
Special Projects Debuts Eco Lenses to Help with Decision-Making
Cosmetic Sustainability Projects
LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics Announces Sustainability Initiative
On-Demand Disability Care Platforms
'Joshin' Offers On-Demand Care at the Press of a Button
Sustainability-Driven Fashion Campaigns
pitusa's Sustainability Campaign Focuses on Reducing Waste
Circular Design Challenges
The 'Make It Circular Challenge' Tackles Climate Change
Plant-Covered Concrete Homes
Studio Symbiosis Designs the Villa KD45 in Delhi with a Terraced Roof
Advanced Adaptive Retail Experiences
Walmart Unveiled New Retail Technologies at CES 2024
Rejuvenated Retail Buildings
This Vietnamese Building Will Feature Lush Native Greenery
Ethical Organic Cotton Apparel
The Sport Sweatshirt From Industry Of All Nations is Timeless
AI-Powered Virtual Influencers
Antelope is Making Virtual Influencers More Capable with AI Tech
Experiential Social Clubs
Marshalls' Good Stuff Social Club Empowers & Connects Women
Charitable Fashion Initiatives
KACHOROVSKA is Collaborating with SavED to Benefit Ukraine
Innovative Seaweed Fabrics
PhycoLabs Harnesses the Potential of Seaweed in Textile Production
Inclusive Social VR Programs
Meta Invested in a Social VR Research Team Alongside Universities
Healthy Eating Grocery Initiatives
Instacart Introduces New 'Instacart Health' Project
AI-Fueled Sustainable Product Series
SPACE10 and oio studio Add AI to Products of Place
Avant-Garde Coffee Table Books
New Society Hosts 'Decentralization, Please Save Culture' Event
Award-Winning Housing Designs
Hong-En Lin Emphasizes the Importance of Clean Water Access
Housing Crisis Presentation Campaigns
IKEA Woks with Shelter to Create Four Real Life Roomsets
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
Social Good Clothing Drives
SHEIN and New Circles Join Forces for a Clothing Drive on April 20th
Global AI Art Contests
Shutterstock and the UN Partner for the Canvas of the Future
Secondhand Fashion Editorials
Vinted Styled a Shoot Exclusively with Vinted Finds
Textile Recycling Solutions
SuperCircle Secures $7M to Enhance Textile Recycling Infrastructure
AI-Driven Office Expansions
IBM is Expanding Its Technology Expert Labs in Markham, Ontario
Startup Bike-Sharing Services
Curve Electric Partners with SSCL to Launch a Public E-Bike Service
Green Medium-Density Developments
Brahn Smillie-Fearn Consolidates Built & Natural Environments
Upskilling AI Initiatives
Genpact and Microsoft Have Joined Forces in a Strategic Collaboration
Contemporary Eco-Conscious Footwear Brands
Juntos Stands Out for Its Commitment to Sustainability
Esports Telecom Partnerships
'Vodafone Idea' Partnered with 'Team Vitality' in India
Indian-Inspired Moisturizers
Prakti's SapnaSoft Fuses Ancient Ayurvedic and Advanced Ingredients
Purpose-Driven Popcorn Snacks
Gourmet Popcorn is on a Mission to Create Jobs
Regenerative Land Initiatives
Earthbanc Aims to Combat Global Emissions with Land Regeneration
Social Marketplace Updates
Instagram Launches a Marketplace to Better Connect Brands and Creators
Startup Name Generators
FindName Suggests Countless Ideas to Help Name Your New Business
Gen Z Sustainability Initiatives
Puma's Voices of a RE:GENERATION is a Project with Changemakers
Self-Sustaining Houses
Archiopteryx Designs the People Tree House in Noida, India
Regenerative Apparel Collections
ace&jig Launch the Sustainably Crafted 'Regenerative Collection'
Gen Alpha Kitchenware Brands
'Basil' Raised Roughly $440,000 USD to Scale its D2C Kitchenwares
Sneakerhead Mentoring Programs
eBay's Sneaker Academy Turns Sneakerheads Into Entrepreneurs
AI Green Financing Platforms
Singapore's AI Initiative for Sustainable Finance in Real Estate
Hybrid Community Supermarkets
The After Market is a Grocery Store and a Food Pantry
Digital Passport Partnerships
Viamedici Partnered with Sustain360 on Environmental Initiatives
Global Eyewear Brand Platforms
Neso Brands Uses Cutting-Edge Technology to Innovate in the Market
Sustainable Hospitality Cleaning Solutions
Kärcher India Leads Sustainable Cleaning in Hospitality
Millet-Based Healthy Snacks
Govindjee Unveils a New Selection of Millet-Based Products
Ayurveda Cuisine-Centric Wellness Retreats
Ananda in the Himalayas Emphasizes Ayurveda Cuisine
Forest-Protecting Fashion Brand Initiatives
Canopy Leads an Initiative So Save the Forests
Circular Fashion Shops
Asket Supports a Sustainable Fashion Future with Resale & Repair
Accessible Mixed-Reality Media
Chapter 2 Welcomes New Society to Revolutionize the Media Frontier
Humorous Slogan Graphic T-Shirts
Navinder Nangla Joins Converse on the City Tees Initative
Incubator Fashion Programs
SHEIN Celebrates 2nd Anniversary of Flagship Incubator Program SHEIN X
Indian Lingerie Expansions
La Vie en Rose Branches Into the Indian Market with its New Location
Career-Supporting Neurodiversity Initiatives
Deloitte is Committed to Helping All People Thrive
Gridded Immersive Retail Experiences
Studio Lotus Designs the New Ekaya Banaras Retail
Circular Fashion Docuseries
The Road to Circularity by Coachtopia Shares Sustainability Challenges
APPI Eco-Friendly Furniture
Sabai Design is a Sustainable Furniture Disruptor Led by Woman Founder
Locally Focused Visionary Tableware
IKEA's Design Lab Presents the New Products of Place Campaign
Global Affordable Housing Competitions
ICON Challenging Architects & Designers with Initiative 99
B2B eCommerce Retailer Platforms
Walmart Business Streamlines Access to Essentials
Handbag Market Expansions
behno Launches New Collection in Partnership with Actress Katrina Kaif
Anti-Chemical Farming Partnerships
GreenField and Snacktivist Foods Announced a New Initiative
Affordable Lifestyle Directories
'I Have This Friend' Makes Aspirational Living More Accessible
Public Investment Opportunities
Steeped Coffee Offers a Unique Investment Opportunity
Neurodiversity-Focused DEI Initiatives
IBM's Neurodiversity Program Fosters Equal Opportunities
Pet Care Fellowship Programs
Royal Canin and Leap Venture Academy are Uplifting Startups
Sustainable Beauty Brand Initiatives
Yves Rocher's Eco Initiatives Help to Conserve BioDiversity
Sustainable Textile Industry Practice
Soorty Introduces the Soorty Regenagri Initiative (SRI)
Expansive School Bamboo Canopies
CollectiveProject Creates a Canopy at Talaricheruvu Rural School
Child Protection Partnerships
Balenciaga Announces Work with the National Children's Alliance
Vocational Education Advocacy Campaigns
Kagiso Trust and Sasol Foundation Launch a New Initiative
Multi-Search Engine Expansions
Google Expands its Multi-Search Feature of Image and Text to India
AI Business Consultants
15-Minute Business Plans Helps Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
Marketing Mentorship Platforms
Sprout Social Launches as a New Business Mentorship Network
Period Poverty Non-Profits
PERIOD. is a Global Nonprofit That Aims to Eradicate Period Poverty
Entrepreneurial Mentorship platforms
GrowthMentor Connects Individuals for 1:1 Support
Comforting Mental Health Apps
Lunai Allows Users to Share Their Thoughts in Private
Immersive Eco-Conscious Employee Training
Les Nouveaux Géants Attempts to Revolutionize Training
Awareness-Raising Poverty Campaigns
Oxfam Australia Debuts a Platform Called 'Unaccept Inequality'
Indian Dairy Expansions
ITC Ltd Launches the New Dairy Product Collection in Jharkhand
Empowering Lambani-Designed Accessories
Banjara Kasuti Introduces the New Lambani Looms Collection
Energy-Efficient Headquarter Buildings
The New 'Bench' Building Prioritizes Sustainable Design
SaaS Influencer Marketing Tools
Beeing Social Launches 'Buzz Bee Buzz' for Influencer Marketing
AI-Boosted Enterprise Tools
The 'Innovation Assistant' Assists Ideation and Implementation
Affordable Eco-friendly FemCare
MildCares Offers Products that Support Female Health
Health-Focused Staff Programs
SOCIETY Debuts the 'SOCIETY Residents' Employee Welfare Initiative
Social Good Ski Initiatives
Christy Sports Launched the Nordica Unleashed Outreach
Transparent Fintech Lending Platforms
Scienaptic Helps Mitigate Risk with the Help of AI Tech
Supportive Entrepreneurial Communities
The Zenpreneur Community Provides Resources and Support
Retirement Finance Apps
Udeshi Financial Unveils P.R.I.D.E. Framework for Those in Retirement
Indian Hand Hygiene Ads
Himalaya Pure Hands launches #Saafhaathsekhaaiye Campaign
Incarcerated Employment Programs
Next Chapter Aims to Create a More Equitable Workplace
Expanding Agricultural Ventures
KK Strategies Announced a New Venture in Thailand
Entrepreneur Support Communities
Hustle Cafe is an Online Space for Founders to Connect and Grow
Charitable Digital Brochures
C.O Cosméticos Partnered with SOS Pantanal on QR Code Initiative
Hospitality Neighborly Initiatives
Hotel Indigo Launches Neighborly Borrowing Program
Hispanic-Focused Business Opportunities
PepsiCo Unveils the Newest Greenhouse Accelerator Program
City-Honoring Furniture Projects
The Symbiotic Urban Furniture Project is Imaginative
Meal Donation Food Products
O Organics 'Fight Hunger, Serve Hope' Initiative Helps Kids in Need
Network-Connecting AI Solutions
Village AI Connect with Your Network to Close Deals
Ageism-Focused Work Pledges
The Centre for Ageing Better Debuts an Age-Friendly Employer Pledge
Ethical Supply Chain Initiatives
'ASOS' is Taking Steps to Weed Out Vendors Who Use Child Labor
Charitable Hygiene Supply Initiatives
Purse Project Collects Personal Care Goods for Those in Need
India-Based Refurbishing Brands
ReFit Global Sources Phones for Affordable Second-Hand Reselling
Ethical AI Commitments
Samsung's Ethical AI Aims to Pioneer a Positive Impact
Pre-Loved Clothing Markets
Charity Super.Mkt Will Take Over Fenwick's on Bond Street
Heartfelt Adoption Campaigns
Home Center Encourages Adoption in the Middle East in New Campaign
Hiring Bias Workshops
Intentional Endowments Hosts Insightful Workshops for Employers
Social Good Brand Practices
Dignity Coconuts Positions Itself to Combat Human Trafficking
Cancer-Focused CSR Initatives
Sovereign Trust Funds a Cancer-Fighting Quiz for Nigerian Students
Circular Garment Repair Services
Nanushka Launches a Garment Repair Service with Sojo
Inclusive Job Networks
Inployable is an Employment Community for People with Down Syndrome
Children-Supporting Trust Initiatives
The Children who Trust Again Campaign Supports Abuse Victims
Forest-Preserving Brand Initiatives
Three Prominent Chinese Fashion Companies Join Canopy
Accessible Home Services Marketplaces
Urban Company Recently Made Its Platform More Accessible
Empowering Educational Initiatives
Sight School Empowers Individuals with Visual Impairments
Public Awareness Campaigns
Saskatchewan Launched a Campaign Against Interpersonal Violence
Charitable Anniversary-Celebrating Initiatives
Earth Therapeutics Emphasizes Mental Health
Grassroots Esports Companies
Sunny Lohia and Abhijeet Andhare Launch Trident Gaming in India
Daily-Prompting Social Journals
Journal. Invites Users to Share Their Thoughts and Feelings
Entrepreneurial Community Building
VenturePals Steps in to Help Solo Entrepreneurs Find Community
Comprehensive Indian Payment Tools
BharatPe Unveils the Country's First All-in-One Payment Device
Charitable Esports Projects
Epic Foundation Launches the Esports for Good Initiative
Streamlined Start-Up Job Searching
Startup Jobs by Binh Pham is a Community for Job Seekers
Inclusive Hiring Programs
El Car Wash Launched a Neurodivergent Hiring Program
Diverse Leadership Inanities
Civic Nation Launched a New Initiative Dubbed the Change Collective
India-Based Senior Campaigns
The Alappuzha Social Justice Department Launches an Elderly Campaign
Parent-Focused TV Campaigns
NatureFresh's TV Campaign Explores How Active Parenting Benefits Kids
Ontario Living Standard Protests
We Say Enough is Fighting Against the Cost of Living Crisis
Restorative CSR Projects
EY Foundation Pledges to Restore Biodiversity in Certain Indian Villages
Educational CSR Initatives
Shimanto Bank Contributes to Bangladesh's Education Assistance Trust
Philanthropic Investment Banks
Builders Vision Helps Build a More Humane and Healthy Planet
Crisis Response Services
Charity Launches a Free Community Crisis Response Service for Tragedies