Chennai, October 29, 2025: Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), in collaboration with the IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP), has launched the DICV–IIMCIP Social Impact Incubation Programme to promote technology-driven social entrepreneurship in India. The initiative aims to support start-ups focused on sustainability, green mobility, community development, and women empowerment, aligning with the goals of Viksit Bharat and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Backed by DICV’s CSR fund, the programme will incubate 10 high-potential social enterprises developing scalable and sustainable solutions to address India’s socio-economic challenges. Each selected start-up will receive a ₹1 lakh fellowship grant, along with access to mentoring and networking opportunities. The top five enterprises will progress to the next phase, receiving implementation grants of up to ₹20 lakh each to scale their operations.
Applications for the programme will be invited nationwide through an online process to ensure inclusivity and transparency. Shortlisted enterprises will undergo a structured 8-month incubation journey, featuring business due diligence, diagnostic sessions, and a tailored roadmap for growth.
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 technology, innovation, and business acumen to build sustainable solutions that drive inclusive growth and measurable impact.”
Satyakam Arya, Managing Director and CEO, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, added, “At DICV, we view sustainability as central to our business—from our products to the communities we serve. Our partnership with IIMCIP represents a strategic commitment to catalysing the next generation of green, inclusive innovation that creates lasting societal impact. By backing these impact-driven enterprises, we are directly investing in India’s sustainable future and building local livelihoods.”
The collaboration between DICV and IIMCIP reflects a shared vision of leveraging innovation and entrepreneurship to drive inclusive, sustainable growth. By enabling social enterprises to scale through funding, mentorship, and capacity building, the initiative aims to create a pipeline of purpose-driven entrepreneurs who can contribute meaningfully to India’s long-term development agenda.
