Schaeffler India has unveiled the Social Innovator Fellowship Program, a visionary initiative designed to identify, recognize, and support individuals developing innovative, sustainable solutions that can create meaningful social impact across India. The program targets young innovators and early-stage ventures committed to addressing pressing environmental and social challenges through scalable and sustainable projects.
Program Overview
The fellowship will select 10 individuals or teams aged between 18 and 35 years, offering each winner a fellowship grant of INR 1.75 lakh. Beyond financial support, the program includes an exclusive 24-week hybrid mentorship and networking opportunity facilitated by IIMA Ventures, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad), one of the country’s premier business institutions. This mentorship aims to refine and accelerate the growth of the fellows’ solutions, ensuring they can effectively reach and benefit their target communities.
About Schaeffler India
Schaeffler India is a global leader in the manufacturing of high-precision components and systems used in engine, transmission, and chassis applications, as well as rolling and plain bearing solutions for diverse industrial sectors. The company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability extends beyond its products to fostering social entrepreneurship and inclusive growth through this fellowship.
Eligibility Criteria
The program invites applications from individuals, groups, or organisations—both for-profit and non-profit—across India, provided they meet the following criteria:
- Applicants must be Indian residents aged 18 to 35 years.
- The project should be early-stage, not an established commercial venture.
- Early-stage startups and NGOs with functioning prototypes are eligible.
- The idea must address clear social or environmental needs and demonstrate potential for scalability, sustainability, and commercial viability.
- Submissions must include an idea pitch deck (PDF format, under 4 MB) and may optionally include a short video (90-120 seconds) describing the innovation.
Project Requirements
Entries must go beyond conceptual ideas or mock-ups and meet six critical requirements:
- Clearly defined target market or audience.
- Address a clear need, problem, or opportunity.
- Demonstrate potential to scale and create positive social impact.
- Be economically feasible and sustainable.
- Show commercial viability.
- Include a working prototype.
Focus Areas
Projects should align with one or more of the following key themes:
- Environment Sustainability
- Renewable Energy
- Carbon Neutrality
- Circular Economy
- Natural Resource Management
- Application of Technology in the Social Sector
Benefits of the Fellowship
The 10 selected innovators will receive:
- A fellowship grant of INR 1.75 lakh each to support their development activities.
- A 24-week mentorship program by IIMA Ventures, combining online and in-person sessions designed to strengthen business models, scale solutions, and connect with investors and partners.
- Access to Schaeffler India’s extensive network and expertise through the India Accelerator ecosystem, providing valuable resources and market opportunities.
Application Details and Deadlines
Applicants must submit their idea pitch deck, Aadhaar card, and a passport-size photograph by 15th September 2025. The optional video showcasing their innovation can also be uploaded via the official program website.
The Schaeffler India Social Innovator Fellowship Program exemplifies the company’s commitment to fostering sustainable innovation and social entrepreneurship in India. By empowering young changemakers with financial support, expert mentorship, and strategic networks, the program promises to accelerate impactful solutions in critical sectors—fueling progress toward a greener, more inclusive future, for more details and apply CLICK HERE
