Call for

Schaeffler India Social Innovator Fellowship Program 2025

Organisation Name:

The Contrapuntal

Application Deadline:

25 August 2025

About Organisation

Schaeffler is a global leader in motion technology, committed to driving innovation and shaping the future of mobility and industry. Recognizing that a constantly evolving world demands cutting-edge solutions, Schaeffler focuses on developing advanced technologies, products, and services that make motion more efficient, intelligent, and sustainable. Its expertise spans CO₂-efficient drives, electric mobility, Industry 4.0, digitalization, and renewable energies, positioning it as a trusted partner for industries worldwide.
In India, Schaeffler has a strong presence with four manufacturing plants and eleven sales offices, delivering value through its three renowned product brands – FAG, INA, and LuK. The company actively contributes to building a sustainable future by integrating environmental responsibility with technological excellence. Beyond engineering innovations, Schaeffler supports initiatives that foster entrepreneurship, skill development, and community empowerment. Its approach combines global expertise with local insight to create solutions that meet the demands of both industry and society. Through programs like the Schaeffler India Social Innovator Fellowship, the company extends its impact by supporting innovators who are working on sustainable and socially impactful projects. This initiative reflects Schaeffler’s belief in collaborative progress, encouraging the next generation of changemakers to address pressing challenges with creativity, resilience, and purpose.

About the Grant

The Schaeffler India Social Innovator Fellowship Program is a forward-thinking initiative designed to identify, support, and empower individuals or organizations creating innovative and sustainable solutions with strong social and environmental impact. This program focuses on early-stage startups and NGOs, offering both financial assistance and expert mentorship to help scale impactful ideas.
Winners receive a 24-week hybrid mentorship through IIMA Ventures, IIM Ahmedabad, enabling them to refine their solutions and enhance their business models. Each of the ten selected projects is awarded INR 1.75 lakh, along with access to Schaeffler India’s network of partners and collaborators. Participants also gain entry into a dynamic fellowship community, promoting knowledge sharing and collaboration.
The fellowship supports initiatives in key areas such as environmental sustainability, renewable energy, carbon neutrality, circular economy, natural resource management, and technology applications in the social sector. By bridging financial gaps, encouraging experimentation, and catalyzing systemic change, this program seeks to nurture social entrepreneurs who can drive long-term transformation. It is not limited to commercial ventures but focuses on practical prototypes that address real needs. Through this initiative, Schaeffler India reaffirms its commitment to enabling meaningful change and contributing to a sustainable and inclusive future.

Who can Apply?

The Schaeffler India Social Innovator Fellowship Program welcomes applications from a diverse range of individuals and organizations committed to creating impactful solutions. Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Age: Applicants should be between 18 and 35 years old.
Residency: Only residents of India are eligible.
Applicant Type: Open to individuals, groups, NGOs, and for-profit or non-profit organizations operating across India.
Stage of Project: The project should be in its early stages with a functioning prototype. Established commercial ventures are not eligible.
Concept Requirements: Projects should have a clear target audience, address a specific need or problem, possess the potential to scale, and create measurable social or environmental impact. They must also be economically viable, sustainable, and commercially feasible.
Categories: Projects must fall under at least one of the following areas — environmental sustainability, renewable energy, carbon neutrality, circular economy, natural resource management, or application of technology in the social sector.
Additionally, applicants are required to submit an idea pitch deck and a short video describing their work. Purely conceptual ideas or mock-ups without a working prototype will not be accepted.

How to Apply?

Applicants need to prepare and submit their entries online in the form of a detailed idea pitch deck along with a video showcasing their project. The submission must highlight the problem addressed, the proposed solution, and its potential for impact. All applications should be made through the official application portal before the deadline. Only complete and eligible entries will be considered for evaluation.

Application Deadline

The last date for submitting online applications is August 25, 2025. Applications must be completed and submitted before the deadline to be considered for the fellowship selection process.

Last Date to Apply
Applicants must ensure their pitch deck and video submissions are uploaded before August 25, 2025. Late entries or incomplete applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Grant Amount
Each of the ten winning projects will receive a grant of INR 1.75 lakh, along with mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to Schaeffler India’s partner ecosystem to scale their solutions.