IIM Bangalore NSRCEL Launches its Rural Entrepreneurship Incubation Program; Selects 9 Enterprises

New Delhi: IIM Bangalore's NSRCEL has launched the rural entrepreneurship incubation program to enhance, boost, and strengthen the entrepreneurship and startup ecosystem in rural India. The hub has selected around 9 enterprises under this rural entrepreneurship incubation program.

The incubation program of the innovation and entrepreneurship hub of IIM Bangalore, NSRCEL, will primarily focus on actions for balanced inclusive development. With an aim to create sustainable livelihoods and employment opportunities in remote rural areas, the program will help in bridging the socio-economic gaps.

Speaking about the incubation program, Anand Sri Ganesh, COO, NSRCEL IIM Bangalore, said that the pandemic has exposed the huge socio-economic gaps and vulnerabilities in rural India, and there is a requirement to have sustainable and inclusive development. With this program, the lens will be transitioned from urban-focused founders to those who are intending to bring visible changes to rural India.

The event was attended by Chief Guest Mr Charanjit Singh, Joint Secretary, Rural Livelihoods, Ministry of Rural Development, and Mr Arnab Mukherji, Professor, Centre for Public Policy, and Founding Program Director – Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship, IIM Bangalore along with the NSRCEL team and rural pre-incubation ventures.

The work of the innovation hub, NSRCEL has impacted over 1,15,600 entrepreneurs, and with this association, it will provide more assistance from top-of-the-line mentors from industry experts, academics, the development sector and government.

The shortlisted ventures under this program of IIM Bangalore will get a chance to pitch for incubation and access to grants. It will also assist participants with vital aspects of entrepreneurship such as how to stabilize the business including production, marketing and distribution, scale and strengthen the business model, working with the local governments.

Further, it will also have a special focus on building and working with rural communities to create long-term trust and livelihoods. Entrepreneurs participating in the program will be of a diverse mix, consisting of young graduates from leading universities, and corporate sector professionals willing to cross over to the development sector and development sector professionals.

9 Enterprises Selected by NSRCEL for Rural Entrepreneurship Incubation Program

Following are the nine rural ventures that would be working with NSRCEL to create socio-economic impact by generating rural livelihoods:

Kalapuri/Nirvi Handicrafts

The enterprise embraces artisan communities by offering new opportunities, developing artisans into independent entrepreneurs, training and developing artisan communities – providing them with a global market through the Kalapuri platform.

IVillage Social Solutions

The venture trains and guides rural women to manufacture high-quality products made from hand and machine-based stitching processes, permitting them to be financially independent.

Indian Yards

The enterprise upskills women from the rural communities in the Nilgiris to become one of the finest macrame artisans, consequently enabling them to become independent producer groups.

Kulture Street

This is yet another venture that works towards building a brand providing skilled Indian artisans with greater market access (online/offline) and a community of loyal customers who are fond of Indian handmade products worldwide.

Ayang Trust

The livelihood program of this trust provides immense training and market access to the farmers in North-East India to help increase their productivity and income source.

Bastar Se Bazar Tak

This is another enterprise working towards upgrading the livelihoods of tribal farmers through the production of non-timber forests. It also creates an additional livelihood for Gramin Bastarian smallholders, reduces minor forest production losses, builds natural forest products, and generates flexible and supportive local employment through collective action.

Karry Now

Being a delivery service provider, the venture takes orders through phone calls and delivers essentials and non-essentials to rural India. Further, it is planning to soon release a WhatsApp chat bot and an application for delivering the essentials.

Mars Innovation

Growhitha, a fully customized and automated natural manure maker, prepares seven kinds of natural manure and reduces farmer efforts by up to 90%.

Sahrudaya Foods

The enterprise aims to provide regional rural recipes that are tasty, healthy, and nutritious at the same time. They also guide and train the village women to deliver safe and hygienic products at their doorstep.

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