Schaeffler India recognizes the winners of its flagship Social Innovator Fellowship Program

2025-12-22 | Pune

Schaeffler India, a leading motion technology company has announced the winners of its 4th Edition of the ‘Schaeffler India Social Innovator Fellowship Program’. The program is designed to recognize and empower young social innovators who are creating impactful and scalable solutions to some of society’s most pressing environmental and societal challenges. By nurturing ideas that combine innovation with sustainability, it seeks to transform grassroots initiatives into long-term change drivers that can improve communities.

Marking its fourth edition, this year’s fellowship program invited applications from individuals, groups, institutions, and organizations, both for-profit and non-profit, across India. The program was open to applicants aged 18–35 who are addressing pressing challenges in Environmental sustainability, Renewable energy, Carbon neutrality, Circular economy, Natural resource management, and the application of technology in the social sector.

After a rigorous screening process, which encompasses stringent evaluations and prototype demonstrations, the top 10 exceptional projects were awarded a grant of INR 1.75 lakh and access to an intensive 24-week hybrid mentorship program at the renowned IIM ventures at IIM Ahmedabad, designed to accelerate their ideas. The program will provide tools, framework, access to industry expert mentoring, and resources to be market ready and scale their solutions to amplify their impact.

Since its enrolment opened in July 2025, the program has received over 460 registrations from over 21 states and final submission of 172 eligible applications, including the state of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Orrissa, Madhya Pradesh, UP, Gujarat, Assam, Tamilnadu, Jammu and Kashmir, West Bengal, AP and Delhi, Punjab and more with 103 shortlisted applicants for assessment.

Harsha Kadam, MD and CEO of Schaeffler India stated that “Change is the only constant. In a dynamic world where environment and technology play a fundamental role to meet the evolving needs of the world’s populus, the Social Innovator Fellowship Program speaks volumes of Schaeffler’s commitment to ESG and building not just a technologically advanced business model but be sensitive to the environment we operate in. It is our commitment to building a sustainable future that drives us to keep supporting this program year on year. With the response rates from participants growing over the years it’s overwhelming to see the indomitable spirit where technology and human consciousness collaborate to build a better world.

We are happy that program is designed to identify and empower young changemakers who are developing scalable, impactful, and technology-driven solutions. In doing so, Schaeffler aims to harness entrepreneurial spirit and provide a platform where innovators can translate their ideas into transformative actions that make a sustainable impact on society.”

Lastly, he congratulated all the Innovators and thanked them for their participation and wished them success in commercializing their projects so the world can be a little better place for future generations.

The award ceremony was graced by Professor Gurudas Nulkar, Director Centre for Sustainable Development, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Mr. Munish Bhatia, Co-Founder, India Accelerator & CEO, Bharat Ventures , Dr Bharat Kakade -President & Managing Trustee, BAIF Development Research Foundation and Ms. Ankur Sohanpal, AVP IIMA Ventures.

Beyond this fellowship, Schaeffler India continues to drive social development through targeted initiatives such as promoting STEM education in underserved areas, advancing water conservation, encouraging agroforestry and climate-resilient agriculture, and supporting community health projects. Through these initiatives, the company envisions creating an ecosystem where innovation and sustainability converge, ensuring equitable progress and positive transformation in society.

Schaeffler Group – We pioneer motion

The Schaeffler Group has been driving forward groundbreaking inventions and developments in the field of motion technology for over 75 years. With innovative technologies, products, and services for electric mobility, CO₂-efficient drives, chassis solutions, and renewable energies, the company is a reliable partner for making motion more efficient, intelligent, and sustainable – over the entire life cycle. Schaeffler describes its comprehensive range of products and services by means of eight product families: from bearing solutions and all types of linear guidance systems through to repair and monitoring services. With around 120,000 employees and more than 250 locations in 55 countries, Schaeffler is one of the world’s largest family-owned companies and ranks among Germany’s most innovative companies.

Schaeffler India Limited

Schaeffler India brings a 75-year global legacy of innovation in motion technology to the Indian market, offering precision engineering solutions. As a trusted partner for making motion more efficient, intelligent, and sustainable – over the entire life cycle, Schaeffler offers innovative technologies, products, and solutions for electric mobility, CO₂-efficient drives, chassis solutions and renewable energies. With five manufacturing plants in India (Pune, Savli, Maneja, Hosur and Shoolagiri), three R&D centers, seven sales offices, and a strong industrial and automotive aftermarket network, Schaeffler India ensures nationwide accessibility of products and solutions to its customers.

With renowned product brands and a comprehensive range of products and services in the mobility ecosystem by means of eight motion families: from bearing solutions and linear guidance systems through to repair and monitoring services, Schaeffler is committed to partnering with its customers across segments for their engineering and motion technology needs. With its presence in India for over 60 years and with a dedicated workforce of over 3,700 employees Schaeffler is a leading motion technology company in India. Explore more - www.schaeffler.co.in