Schaeffler India Limited has announced the launch of the fifth edition of the Schaeffler India Social Innovation Fellowship, inviting applications for the 2026–27 cohort. The initiative aims to identify and support young innovators developing practical solutions to address some of India’s most pressing social and environmental challenges.
The fellowship will select 10 promising social innovators from across the country, with a special focus on entrepreneurs from Tier II, Tier III and rural regions. Through financial assistance, mentorship, industry exposure and access to leading innovation networks, the programme is designed to help participants strengthen their ventures and scale their impact.
The selected fellows will undergo a 24-week venture development programme conducted by IIMA Ventures at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. The curriculum will focus on business strategy, impact measurement, leadership development and investor readiness, equipping participants with the skills required to build sustainable enterprises.
Harsha Kadam, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Schaeffler India Limited, said the fellowship reflects the company’s commitment to using technology and innovation to create positive social change. “India has no shortage of talented innovators with ideas that can improve lives and address critical development challenges. Through this fellowship, we want to provide these changemakers with the resources, mentorship and industry connections they need to transform promising ideas into sustainable and scalable solutions,” he said.
Since its launch in 2021, the fellowship has supported more than 41 early-stage innovators from across India. Many participants have expanded their ventures, secured funding, earned national recognition and introduced solutions that are making a measurable difference in their communities.
Applications for the 2026–27 programme will remain open from July 15 to August 31, 2026. The fellowship is open to individuals, startups and organisations, including both for-profit and non-profit entities, led by innovators between the ages of 18 and 35. Eligible applicants must have developed a functional prototype addressing challenges in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, sanitation and WASH, clean energy, livelihoods, manufacturing safety, mobility, environment and sustainability.
Each selected fellow will receive a grant of ₹2 lakh, along with structured mentoring, networking opportunities, access to innovation ecosystems and post-programme impact tracking. The selection process includes application screening, document verification, expert evaluations and final presentations before an industry jury. The programme is being implemented by IHFC (I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics), with India Accelerator serving as the programme management and evaluation partner, while IIMA Ventures will lead the mentorship and venture development component.
Schaeffler India is a leading motion technology company with more than six decades of operations in the country. Backed by an extensive manufacturing, research and service network, the company continues to invest in initiatives that promote innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development alongside its engineering and mobility solutions.
