Pune, March 06, 2026: Friends Union for Energising Lives (FUEL), a not-for-profit organisation focused on youth empowerment through education and skills development, has been listed on the National Stock Exchange of India’s Social Stock Exchange (SSE). The listing marks a new phase for the organisation as it seeks to expand its programmes for government school students, rural youth and women across India.
The SSE platform enables social enterprises and non-profit organisations to raise transparent, impact-oriented funding. With this listing, FUEL aims to scale its initiatives in government schools and rural communities, focusing on STEM education, future-ready skills and entrepreneurship development.
Through its programmes, the organisation provides training in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, digital literacy, soft skills and career development. The initiatives are designed to improve employability and provide structured pathways to the workforce, particularly for first-generation learners and youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
FUEL is also developing an industry–academia collaboration model aimed at integrating academic learning with real-world industry requirements. Under this approach, corporates partner with the organisation to adopt and mentor individual schools within a proposed SkillTech & Entrepreneurship University ecosystem. The model seeks to align curriculum design, research, innovation and employability with evolving industry needs.
Five schools are being developed as part of this framework with participation from industry partners. The School of Science has been adopted by Dr. Yusuf Hamied, Chairman of Cipla, to support scientific education, research orientation and practical learning opportunities for students.
Funds mobilised through the SSE listing will support scholarships, digital and life skills training, entrepreneurship guidance and workforce integration initiatives for students and young adults from underserved communities.
Dr. Ketan Deshpande, Founder & Chairman, FUEL, said, “FUEL has trained more than 2.9 lakh young people in future-ready skills and awarded over 2,900 scholarships, consistently delivering strong employment outcomes.
The Social Stock Exchange listing strengthens our commitment to transparency, governance, and measurable impact. It enables citizens, corporates, and institutions to participate in nation-building through structured education funding.
We are building a unique industry–academia co-working model where corporates adopt and nurture schools within the university ecosystem. I invite visionary industry leaders to partner with FUEL — not just to support a cause, but to create a lasting legacy in education, innovation, and nation-building for future generations.”
With the SSE listing, FUEL aims to strengthen partnerships with corporates, institutions and citizens while expanding opportunities for students and young professionals through education, skills development and entrepreneurship initiatives.
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