In a strategic move to empower innovation-led social transformation, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) have jointly launched the DICV–IIMCIP Social Impact Incubation Programme, an initiative backed by DICV’s CSR fund. The programme aims to accelerate the growth of ten high-potential social enterprises developing technology-driven, scalable, and sustainable solutions that align with India’s Viksit Bharat vision and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Designed as a structured incubation journey, the programme will offer significant financial and strategic support to selected enterprises. Each of the ten chosen startups will receive a ₹1 lakh Fellowship Grant. The top five enterprises will later advance to an extended phase, unlocking Implementation Grants of up to ₹20 lakh each, along with deep mentoring, business guidance, and access to IIMCIP’s extensive innovation ecosystem.
Mr. Ajay Jain, Chairman of the Board, IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, said, “Entrepreneurship has the power to solve some of India’s most complex development challenges. Through this collaboration with Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, we aim to nurture a new generation of socially responsible entrepreneurs who combine innovation and business acumen to drive inclusive growth and measurable social impact.”
Echoing this vision, Mr. Satyakam Arya, Managing Director and CEO of Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, said, “At DICV, sustainability is at the core of our business—from the products we build to the communities we serve. This partnership with IIMCIP is a step toward fostering green, inclusive innovation that creates long-term societal value and local livelihoods. By backing impact-driven enterprises, we are investing directly in India’s sustainable future.”
The incubation programme will focus on critical domains such as sustainability, green mobility, community development, and women empowerment. Applications will be invited through a nationwide online process, followed by multi-stage evaluations by domain experts and a joint jury from IIMCIP and DICV. The selected social enterprises will then undergo an intensive eight-month incubation journey, including business due diligence, mentoring, and customized growth roadmaps.
The DICV–IIMCIP Social Impact Incubation Programme stands as a model of industry-academia collaboration, aimed at fostering entrepreneurship that balances technology, purpose, and profitability to build a stronger, more sustainable India.