NIIT Foundation’s ChangeMaker Academy Helps Launch 50+ Enterprises
New Delhi, September 22, 2026: More than 50 enterprises have been launched by participants of NIIT Foundation’s ChangeMaker Academy, a programme that supports aspiring entrepreneurs from underserved communities with entrepreneurship training, mentorship and practical business skills.
Since its inception, more than 180 aspiring entrepreneurs have enrolled in the programme, with participants starting businesses across food, education, healthcare, tailoring, beauty and wellness, arts and embroidery, retail and sustainable products, according to NIIT Foundation.
The ChangeMaker Academy covers areas including business planning, business model development, customer understanding, pricing, sourcing, decision-making and day-to-day business operations. Participants are also introduced to responsible business practices such as sustainable sourcing, waste reduction and environmentally conscious alternatives.
Among the participants are Dimple from Delhi, who launched a cloud kitchen, and Rebati from Laal Bhatta in Jamshedpur, who started a general store.
Dimple, who had previously completed a data-entry course and worked at a call centre, launched Swad Niwaas after receiving training in business planning, sourcing, pricing, customer understanding and operations.
“ChangeMaker Academy helped me look at my idea not just as a dream, but as something that could become a real business. The practical learning helped me understand planning, sourcing, pricing and understanding customers. Starting Swad Niwaas has taught me that entrepreneurship requires both confidence and discipline,” Dimple said.
Rebati, a homemaker from Laal Bhatta in Jamshedpur, used the programme to develop skills in decision-making, communication, planning and business management before launching Saurav & Shubho General Store.
“As a homemaker, I never imagined that I could become an entrepreneur. ChangeMaker Academy gave me the confidence and practical skills to take that first step. Today, I proudly run my own store, creating a livelihood for my family and serving my community,” Rebati said.
Tulika Mehra, National Head – Innovation, NIIT Foundation, said, “For individuals who want to pursue entrepreneurship, it is important to build confidence, decision-making abilities and a practical understanding of what it takes to run a business. ChangeMaker Academy brings these elements together through entrepreneurship learning, mentoring, life skills and real-world exposure.”
The ChangeMaker Academy forms part of NIIT Foundation’s broader work in employability, entrepreneurship and digital skills, with a focus on creating pathways from learning to livelihoods for youth, women and underserved communities.
