1.Goonj:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Anshu Gupta |
| Established | 1999 |
| Headquarters | New Delhi |
| Key Initiatives | Clothing distribution, disaster relief, community development |
| Impact Area | Rural development, community empowerment |
| Sources | News Trail, Social Story |
Goonj, founded by Anshu Gupta in 1999, addresses basic needs like clothing and sanitary pads for rural communities by using urban waste materials. It employs an innovative approach to community development, where donated items are used as a form of currency for local development projects. The organization focuses on creating a sustainable impact by mobilizing urban discards to trigger development work in rural India. This model not only helps in recycling urban waste but also empowers rural communities through various development activities​
Founded by Anshu Gupta in 1999, Goonj focuses on rural development and community empowerment through the distribution of essential items like clothing and sanitary pads. They employ a unique model that uses donated materials as a currency for community development projects.
2.Educate Girls:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Safeena Husain |
| Established | 2007 |
| Headquarters | Mumbai |
| Key Initiatives | Girls’ education, community mobilization |
| Impact Area | Education, gender equality |
| Sources | News Trail, Social Story |
Founded by Safeena Husain in 2007, Educate Girls is a nonprofit that aims to improve enrollment, retention, and learning outcomes for girls in rural India. The organization mobilizes community volunteers, known as Team Balika, to identify out-of-school girls and ensure their enrollment in schools. Educate Girls also collaborates with the government to enhance school infrastructure and teaching quality, creating a conducive learning environment. Their comprehensive approach has significantly contributed to increasing girls’ access to education in the regions they operate​
Established in 2007 by Safeena Husain, this Mumbai-based organization works to enroll and retain girls in schools and improve learning outcomes through community mobilization and education reforms.
3.SELCO Foundation:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Harish Hande |
| Established | 2010 |
| Headquarters | Bengaluru |
| Key Initiatives | Sustainable energy solutions, rural electrification |
| Impact Area | Clean energy, rural development |
| Sources | Social Story |
SELCO Foundation, established by Harish Hande in 2010, focuses on providing sustainable energy solutions to underserved communities. The foundation aims to alleviate poverty by promoting the use of decentralized renewable energy solutions. They provide solar lighting systems, energy-efficient appliances, and training for local technicians to maintain these systems. SELCO Foundation’s initiatives not only improve the quality of life for rural populations but also promote environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on fossil fuels​
This organization provides sustainable energy solutions for rural areas, offering solar-powered systems that improve quality of life and reduce carbon emissions.
4.Saathi:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founders | Amrita Saigal, Kristin Kagetsu |
| Established | 2015 |
| Headquarters | Ahmedabad |
| Key Initiatives | Biodegradable sanitary pads, menstrual hygiene |
| Impact Area | Women’s health, environmental sustainability |
| Sources | Social Story |
Saathi, founded in 2015 by Amrita Saigal and Kristin Kagetsu, produces biodegradable sanitary pads made from banana fiber. The startup addresses both menstrual hygiene and environmental sustainability by offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional sanitary pads. Saathi’s pads decompose within six months, significantly reducing plastic waste. The startup also works on raising awareness about menstrual hygiene in rural areas, empowering women and girls with better health and sanitation practices​
Founded in 2015 by Amrita Saigal and Kristin Kagetsu, Saathi produces biodegradable sanitary pads made from banana fiber, addressing both menstrual hygiene and environmental sustainability.
5.Barefoot College:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Bunker Roy |
| Established | 1972 |
| Headquarters | Tilonia, Rajasthan |
| Key Initiatives | Solar engineering, women empowerment |
| Impact Area | Rural development, clean energy |
| Sources | News Trail |
Barefoot College, founded by Bunker Roy in 1972, empowers rural communities by training women, often grandmothers, as solar engineers. These women, known as “Solar Mamas,” learn to fabricate, install, and maintain solar lighting systems, bringing sustainable energy to their communities. Barefoot College’s model emphasizes local capacity building and self-reliance, promoting sustainable development and reducing dependency on external resources. The initiative has successfully brought light and energy to thousands of remote villages globally​
Located in Rajasthan and founded in 1972, Barefoot College empowers rural communities by training women as solar engineers and promoting sustainable livelihoods through clean energy solutions.
6.Chakr Innovation:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founders | Kushagra Srivastava, Arpit Dhupar, Prateek Paintal |
| Established | 2016 |
| Headquarters | New Delhi |
| Key Initiatives | Emission control, converting pollutants into ink |
| Impact Area | Environmental sustainability |
| Sources | Social Story |
Chakr Innovation, founded in 2016 by Kushagra Srivastava, Arpit Dhupar, and Prateek Paintal, addresses air pollution by converting emissions from diesel generators into ink and paints. Their flagship product, Chakr Shield, captures particulate matter from diesel exhaust and transforms it into a usable form. This innovative approach not only reduces air pollution but also creates valuable products from waste. Chakr Innovation’s technology has been implemented in various industries, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment​
Founded in 2016, this startup addresses air pollution by converting emissions from diesel generators into ink and paints, reducing pollution and promoting environmental sustainability.
7.Awaaz.De:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founders | Neil Patel, Dr. Tapan Parikh |
| Established | 2008 |
| Headquarters | Ahmedabad |
| Key Initiatives | Voice-based mobile technology for information dissemination |
| Impact Area | Communication, rural outreach |
| Sources | Story Network |
Awaaz.De, founded in 2008 by Neil Patel and Dr. Tapan Parikh, provides a voice-based mobile platform to disseminate information and services to remote populations. The platform enables organizations to create voice-based interactive systems in local languages, making information accessible to individuals with limited literacy or access to technology. Awaaz.De’s services are used in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and financial inclusion, ensuring critical information reaches those who need it most in an accessible and effective manner​
Founded in 2008, this platform enables organizations to reach remote populations with critical information and services through voice-based mobile technology, making a significant impact in areas with limited literacy and technology access.
8.Kheyti:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founders | Kaushik Kappagantulu, Saumya, Ayush Sharma |
| Established | 2015 |
| Headquarters | Hyderabad |
| Key Initiatives | Affordable greenhouses, farmer support |
| Impact Area | Agriculture, food security |
| Sources | Social Story |
Kheyti, founded in 2015, offers affordable greenhouse solutions known as “Greenhouse-in-a-Box” for small farmers. These greenhouses enable farmers to grow high-value crops year-round, protecting them from adverse weather conditions and pests. Kheyti also provides training and support to farmers, helping them improve agricultural practices and increase their income. The startup’s comprehensive approach addresses food security and enhances the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, promoting sustainable agricultural development​
Established in 2015, Kheyti offers affordable greenhouse solutions to small farmers, helping them grow high-value crops year-round and increasing their income while improving food security.
9.Noora Health:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founders | Edith Elliott, Shahed Alam |
| Established | 2014 |
| Headquarters | Bengaluru |
| Key Initiatives | Health education, patient empowerment |
| Impact Area | Healthcare, patient outcomes |
| Sources | Social Story |
Noora Health, founded in 2014 by Edith Elliott and Shahed Alam, focuses on health education and empowering patients and their families. The organization trains patients and their caregivers with the knowledge and skills needed to manage health conditions, reduce hospital readmissions, and improve health outcomes. Noora Health’s programs cover a range of topics, including maternal and newborn care, chronic disease management, and postoperative care, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive support during their recovery​
Founded in 2014, this organization empowers patients and their families with knowledge and skills to improve health outcomes and reduce hospital readmissions through comprehensive training programs.
10.Smile Foundation:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Santanu Mishra |
| Established | 2002 |
| Headquarters | New Delhi |
| Key Initiatives | Child education, healthcare, women empowerment |
| Impact Area | Integrated development |
| Sources | News Trail |
Smile Foundation, founded by Santanu Mishra in 2002, works in the areas of child education, healthcare, and women empowerment. The foundation implements integrated development programs across India, aiming to create a holistic impact on communities. Key initiatives include the Mission Education program, which provides education to underprivileged children, and the Smile on Wheels program, which offers mobile healthcare services. Smile Foundation also focuses on vocational training and empowerment programs for women, promoting self-sufficiency and improved quality of life
Since 2002, Smile Foundation has focused on child education, healthcare, and women empowerment through integrated development programs across India.
(FAQs) and their answers for Top 10 Social Impact Startups in India
Goonj
FAQs
Q: What is Goonj?
A: Goonj is a social enterprise focused on addressing basic needs such as clothing and sanitary pads for rural communities. It uses urban discard as a tool to trigger development work.
Q: When was Goonj founded?
A: Goonj was founded in 1999 by Anshu Gupta.
Q: How does Goonj operate?
A: Goonj collects urban waste materials, such as clothes, and distributes them to rural areas where they are used as resources for community development projects.
Educate Girls
FAQs
Q: What is the mission of Educate Girls?
A: The mission of Educate Girls is to improve enrollment, retention, and learning outcomes for girls in rural India.
Q: Who founded Educate Girls and when?
A: Educate Girls was founded by Safeena Husain in 2007.
Q: How does Educate Girls achieve its goals?
A: Educate Girls mobilizes communities to enroll and retain girls in schools and supports education reforms to improve learning outcomes.
SELCO Foundation
FAQs
Q: What is the focus of SELCO Foundation?
A: SELCO Foundation focuses on providing sustainable energy solutions to underserved communities.
Q: When was SELCO Foundation established?
A: SELCO Foundation was established in 2010.
Q: What are some key initiatives of SELCO Foundation?
A: Key initiatives include solar lighting systems, energy-efficient appliances, and training for local technicians.
Saathi
FAQs
Q: What products does Saathi produce?
A: Saathi produces biodegradable sanitary pads made from banana fiber.
Q: Who are the founders of Saathi and when was it founded?
A: Saathi was founded by Amrita Saigal and Kristin Kagetsu in 2015.
Q: How does Saathi impact the environment and society?
A: Saathi addresses menstrual hygiene while reducing environmental waste by using biodegradable materials.
Barefoot College
FAQs
Q: What is Barefoot College known for?
A: Barefoot College is known for empowering rural communities by training women as solar engineers and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
Q: When was Barefoot College founded and by whom?
A: Barefoot College was founded in 1972 by Bunker Roy.
Q: What are the key impact areas of Barefoot College?
A: Key impact areas include clean energy, women’s empowerment, and rural development.
Chakr Innovation
FAQs
Q: What problem does Chakr Innovation address?
A: Chakr Innovation addresses air pollution by converting emissions from diesel generators into ink and paints.
Q: When was Chakr Innovation founded?
A: Chakr Innovation was founded in 2016.
Q: Who are the founders of Chakr Innovation?
A: The founders are Kushagra Srivastava, Arpit Dhupar, and Prateek Paintal.
Awaaz.De
FAQs
Q: What services does Awaaz.De provide?
A: Awaaz.De provides voice-based mobile technology to disseminate information and services to remote populations.
Q: Who founded Awaaz.De and when?
A: Awaaz.De was founded by Neil Patel and Dr. Tapan Parikh in 2008.
Q: How does Awaaz.De impact rural communities?
A: It helps organizations reach individuals with limited literacy or access to technology, ensuring vital information and services are accessible.
Kheyti
FAQs
Q: What is the main product offered by Kheyti?
A: Kheyti offers affordable greenhouses for small farmers.
Q: When was Kheyti founded?
A: Kheyti was founded in 2015.
Q: How does Kheyti help farmers?
A: Kheyti helps farmers grow high-value crops year-round, increasing their income and improving food security.
Noora Health
FAQs
Q: What is Noora Health’s primary focus?
A: Noora Health focuses on health education and empowering patients and their families to improve health outcomes.
Q: When was Noora Health established?
A: Noora Health was established in 2014.
Q: What are some key programs offered by Noora Health?
A: Key programs include training for patient care, reducing hospital readmissions, and improving overall healthcare delivery.
Smile Foundation
FAQs
Q: What areas does Smile Foundation work in?
A: Smile Foundation works in child education, healthcare, and women empowerment.
Q: Who founded Smile Foundation and when?
A: Smile Foundation was founded by Santanu Mishra in 2002.
Q: How does Smile Foundation impact communities?
A: It implements integrated development programs across India, addressing education, health, and livelihood challenges.
These FAQs provide a snapshot of the mission, founders, and key initiatives of each of these impactful startups.
