Bridging the Funding Gap for Social Innovation
New Delhi, July 10, 2025 – ACT, a leading Indian venture philanthropy platform, has unveiled a transformative initiative, injecting ₹1.43 crore in grant funding into five pioneering tech-led social enterprises. This strategic pilot program is designed to close the critical early-stage funding gap that often hinders social innovators from turning bold ideas into impactful realities.
The initiative targets technology-driven solutions with the potential to create scalable social change, particularly in underserved communities across India. Traditional funding ecosystems frequently favor deployment-ready models or market-validated products, leaving early-stage innovators struggling to secure resources for prototyping and testing. ACT’s program addresses this challenge head-on, providing both capital and mentorship to fuel innovation.
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Meet the Visionaries: Five Startups Driving Change
The selected startups represent a diverse array of solutions, each leveraging technology to tackle pressing societal challenges. They are:
Sakshm AI
Founders: Apurv Mehra, Sanchit Sharma, and Kashish Mittal
This AI-powered skilling platform personalizes learning journeys for graduates from Tier 2 and 3 cities, equipping them with the skills needed to secure high-demand tech jobs. By democratizing access to quality education, Sakshm AI aims to empower a new generation of professionals.
V-All
Founder: Bindi Dharia
V-All is a gamified civic engagement platform that connects individuals with volunteer opportunities tailored to their skills, interests, and schedules. The platform fosters community participation, making social impact accessible and engaging.
RenewCred
Founder: Abhimanyu Rathi
Positioned as India’s first carbon registry, RenewCred integrates IoT, machine learning, and blockchain to deliver a fully digital system for carbon credit verification and issuance. This innovative solution promotes environmental sustainability with real-time, high-quality results.
The Barabari Collective
Founders: Harihar Menon and Karthik Krishnakumar
This hybrid platform combines skilling and freelancing opportunities for underserved youth. By providing practical tech training alongside pathways to earn through freelance work, it creates sustainable livelihoods and fosters economic inclusion.
Supernan
Founders: Neethi Bhat and Sriganesh TV
Supernan is a tech-first platform that trains and certifies women as professional nannies, connecting them with parents seeking reliable childcare. By enhancing women’s livelihoods, Supernan drives economic empowerment and family support.
Comprehensive Support for Lasting Impact
Beyond financial backing, ACT is equipping these startups with robust support systems. Each venture will receive technical advisory from Sahaj Software to develop their Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), ensuring their solutions are ready for real-world testing. Additionally, tailored mentorship on fundraising strategies and sustainable business models will empower these founders to scale their impact effectively.
A Vision for a More Equitable Bharat
Sowjanya Kanuri, Director at ACT, underscored the transformative potential of this initiative: “When bold ideas receive timely funding and strategic guidance, they can address some of India’s most pressing challenges at scale. At ACT, we’ve seen how technology, when paired with sustainable business models, can create lasting, meaningful impact. This pilot program is a catalyst for unlocking a pipeline of innovations that will build a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable Bharat. We’re excited to partner with these visionary founders to turn their ideas into reality.”
ACT’s Mission: Catalyzing Scalable Social Change
It is redefining venture philanthropy by fostering scalable social change through strategic capital, expert mentorship, and collaborative ecosystems. By applying entrepreneurial principles and harnessing the power of technology, the platform is nurturing a new generation of innovators poised to reshape India’s social and economic landscape. This initiative reflects ACT’s commitment to empowering solutions that are not only innovative but also sustainable, ensuring long-term benefits for communities across the nation.
Looking Ahead: A New Era of Social Innovation
With this ₹1.43 crore investment, ACT is doing more than funding startups—it’s igniting a movement to drive systemic change. By supporting these five tech-first enterprises, ACT is laying the foundation for a future where technology and social good converge to create a more inclusive and prosperous India. As these startups grow, their innovations promise to address critical challenges, from education and employment to environmental sustainability, paving the way for a brighter, more equitable Bharat.
also read : Indian Startup Sectors: 5 Game-Changing Picks in 2025
Last Updated on Friday, July 11, 2025 9:45 am by Siddhant Jain
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