NASSCOM Foundation and Industry Partners to provide 60 Lakh worth Catalytic Grants to Social Innovators

– Through NASSCOM Social Innovation Forum, the Foundation invites applications from NGOs, Social Enterprises, and entrepreneurs with early stage projects that use technology for good

– The grant money to be for the winning projectsto be complimented with industry led mentoring support

– In collaboration with Genpact&Mphasis, NSIF will support innovative use of technology to address critical development gaps

NASSCOM Foundation, in collaboration with industry giants Mphasis and Genpact,today announced the launch of the eighth edition of the NASSCOM Social Innovation Forum – a ‘Tech for Good’ platform that aims to drive technology led innovation to create sustained social impact. The annual awards, as a part of the Forum, identify, select, honour and support innovative solutions and projects that use Information &Communication Technology (ICT) to address gaps in key developmental areas and foster inclusive growth.

Riding on last year’s success,where the program received interest from over a thousand innovators,NASSCOM Social Innovation Forum (NSIF) hopes tosee robust participation this year as well, from a wide array of social innovators including NGOs, Social Enterprises, For-profit Enterprises, Individuals.

With support fromMphasis and Genpact, the Forum will award catalytic grants to the tune of Rs. 60 Lakhsto early stage enterprises with an impact focusthat address gaps in Skilling for employment, Primary and Secondary Education, Healthcare, Accessibility, Women’s Safety and other relevant areas. The projects will also be provided with support to scale services and industry led mentoring. Thefocus areas have been chosen to be in line with the objectives of the Government’s Digital India Plan and the CSR efforts of the Industry.

The Forum aims to drive CSR capital into innovative projects to help them thrive and grow. Commenting on the occasion, Elango R., EVP, Chief Human Resources Officer and Head Emerging Geographies SBU, Mphasis, said “Mphasis is excited by the success of NSIF and affirms its continuing support to NASSCOM Foundation in its efforts to identify, reward and nurture innovative technology based social enterprises. Being a technology company, Mphasis understands the role technology can play in addressing large scale development challenges. It is our firm belief that a platform such as this would be hugely beneficial to aspiring tech-social entrepreneurs”.

Talking about Genpact’s interest in technology for good, Mr.MohitThukral, Senior Vice President, Genpact, said, “Genpact is committed to NASSCOM Foundation’s objective of leveraging technology for social development and inclusive growth. By supporting innovators and social organizations, NSIF has the potential of significant positive impact on the development ecosystem in the country. This year, NSIF will have a focus on Skill building for Employability – a social cause very dear to us and high on the national agenda as well,” .

Dr. Ganesh Natarajan, Chair, NASSCOM Foundation said, “”Over the years NASSCOM Foundation has established itself as a harbinger of change, driving technology for good. Through NASSCOM Social Innovation Forum, we hope to create an ecosystem which not only produces innovators but also drives inclusion.” Talking about the NSIF partners this year, he added, “One of the biggest challenges for people living in underserved communities is a lack of education and skills and in partnership with Mphasis and Genpact, we wish to close this gap.”

NSIF has supported many innovative initiatives over the years and helped enhance developmental impact in India. In The last edition, three impactful projects received grants and a cohort of six projects is undergoing mentoring support through the Forum.

Applications for NSIF 2016 will remain open till 30September, 2015.