Impact Orbit - Skilling and Livelihood Innovations
Applications are now open!
Express Your Interest
(This form is only to register your interest. After submission, a button to access the final application will appear)
Express Your Interest
This form is only to register your interest. After submission, a button to access the final application will appear
NSRCEL, the startup hub at IIM Bangalore, in collaboration with Capgemini, supports social ventures addressing gaps in India’s skilling and livelihood ecosystem, with a focus on non-metro and rural contexts. The program enables ventures to innovate, implement, and create social impact, while building pathways for scale and long-term sustainability.
Program Highlights
Clarity in Value Proposition and Business Models
Alternate Sources of Funding and Fundraising Readiness
Legal and Compliance Support
Impact Measurement Readiness and Leadership Capacity Building
Leveraging Technology for Scale
Program Impact
Cohorts since 2017
as grants across Cohorts
Ventures Pre-Incubated
Follow-on funding raised
Jobs Created
Lives impacted across 20+ states
Ventures Incubated
Cohorts since 2017
as grants across Cohorts
Ventures Pre-Incubated
Follow on Funding Raised by Ventures
Follow-on funding raised
Jobs Created
Lives impacted across 20+ states
Follow on Funding Raised by Ventures
Ventures Incubated
Follow on Funding Raised by Ventures
Program Eligibility
To be part of this exclusive program, you must:
Must have a registered for-profit entity or a non-profit entity
Must be in operations for a minimum period of 1 year
Must be at an Early Revenue to Growth stage, with a proven POC or Pilots
Must have atleast one full time Founder
Must have atleast one full time Founder
Early Traction/Early Customers
Must be an Impact First venture with direct potential to impact at least 3 UN Sustainable Development Goals
What You Can Expect
Sectors In Focus
1. Youth Employment Innovation
Ventures creating innovative training models and employment linkages for youth (15-29).
2. Future-Ready Skills Development
Ventures preparing workers for next-decade of work: automation-aware manufacturing skills, green skills, digital fluency etc.
3. Entrepreneurship and Self Employment
Ventures enabling individuals to start and grow nano-enterprises or MSMEs through business support and market access.
4. Rural Income Enhancement
Ventures enabling rural income growth through collectives, cooperatives and MSMEs, across sectors including (but not limited to) food processing, agri–value addition, arts/crafts, tourism and climate-resilient livelihoods, especially for women
5. Inclusive Economic Participation
Ventures enabling dignified and sustainable livelihood pathways for PWD, LGBTQAI++ people, and other marginalized groups
Selection Process
Step 1
Application Submission
Step 2
Application Review
Step 3
1:1 Conversation with the Program Team
Step 4
Panel Review
Step 5
Due-Diligence
Step 6
Onboarding
Step 4
Panel Review
Step 5
Due-Diligence
Step 6
Onboarding
Get started here!
Ecosystem Partners
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Impact Orbit - Skilling & Livelihood Innovations Program?
Impact Orbit – Skilling & Livelihood Innovations is an incubation program that aims to identify and scale ventures that create dignified, sustainable livelihoods through innovative training, market linkages, and inclusive business models.
The program incubates early to growth stage For-profit and Non-Profit ventures with high-growth potential to build scalable models for sustained impact.
What are the eligibility criteria to apply?
For-profit and Non-profit registered ventures that have been operational for at least 1 year and demonstrate impact intent.
Ventures should typically be at MVP to scale/growth stage, with some early traction (early customers), and have at least one full-time founder with active commitment.
Is there a specific industry or sector preference for the Impact Orbit - Skilling and Livelihood Innovations Program?
Yes – this program focuses on skilling and livelihood innovation models across five focus areas.
The focus areas include:
- Youth Employment Innovations (job linkages and placement innovatie model),
- Future-Ready Skills Development (including green skills/digital fluency),
- Entrepreneurship & Self-Employment (capacity building of nano enterprises/MSMEs )
- Rural Income Enhancement (collectives/cooperatives/Locally relevant businesses/MSMEs; eg. food processing, agrivalue addition, arts & crafts, tourism, climate-resilient livelihoods; special focus on women),
- and Inclusive Economic Participation (PWD, LGBTQAI+, and other marginalized groups).
What kind of value & support can I get from the Impact Orbit - Skilling & Livelihood Innovations?
- Clarity in value proposition
- Alternate sources of funding and fundraising readiness
- Impact metrics readiness
- 1-on-1 mentoring from domain experts
- The selected ventures will also get grants up to Rs 12.5 lakhs.
How can I apply for the Impact Orbit - Skilling & Livelihood Innovations program?
You can apply by filling out the online application form during the application period.
Application link: https://nsrcel.accubate.app/ext/form/19928/1/apply
What is the duration of the incubation?
The program duration may vary depending on the cohort and specific program objectives, but it generally ranges from 8–9 months.
What does the selection process look like for the program?
The selection process typically follows three steps.
- Applicants submit an online application (and pitch deck)
- Shortlisted ventures go through an internal review with the program team
- and further shortlisted ventures present to an external panel through a ~6–7 minute pitch.
Can I apply for the program if my venture is at an early stage or still in ideation phase?
The program may accept ventures at various stages, but preference is for MVP and Post MVP ventures with early traction—such as early customers—rather than pure ideation-stage ideas.
If you are an idea-stage venture, you may consider applying to NSRCEL’s Launchpad program instead.
Is there any cost associated with participating in the Impact Orbit - Skilling & Livelihood Innovations program?
The incubation program does not have a fee structure or other financial considerations.
NSRCEL does not charge any fees or take equity from the founder.
What happens after I submit my application?
After submission, your application will be reviewed by the selection committee.
Shortlisted applicants may be invited for further evaluation, which can include interviews or presentations.
What is the process for receiving funding or investment through the Impact Orbit - Skilling & Livelihood Innovations program?
The program may offer funding opportunities through grants and impact investor connects.
Specifics depend on venture needs and program resources.
Who can I contact if I have additional questions or need assistance?
For further inquiries or assistance regarding the Impact Orbit – Skilling & Livelihood Innovations program, reach out to the team at: nsrcel.social@nsrcel.iimb.ac.in
