Do you have an idea that has a potential to make a social impact? The Indian School of Business (ISB) has announced iDiya, a nationwide idea competition for working professionals who are interested in starting ventures with a potential to create a positive impact on society.

“The competition seeks to promote scalable and sustainable businesses in the fields of agri-business, health, education, energy, environment, women’s empowerment and disability,” an ISB statement said here on Thursday.

This year’s ISB iDiya Challenge is being organised by about 767 students of the Class of 2013 at the ISB.

The ISB has called for entries for the fourth ISB iDiya Challenge. Those who are interested can submit their ideas online at www.isb.edu/iDiya. The last date for submitting the applications is September 30.

iDiya, which was started in 2009 by students, is a platform for social entrepreneurs with venture capital funds and experts from different fields. This has caught the imagination of not only the students and professionals but also of institutions such as Nabard, Upaya, Social Ventures, Ckinetics and Villgro.

The total investment opportunity for the ideas selected through ISB iDiya this year has increased by four times to Rs 1.73 crore.

Winners in the last three years have been funded and mentored by some prominent names in the industry such as Acumen fund, Intellecap, Unitus capital, Grey Matters Capital, Mumbai Angels and Wadhwani Centre for Entrepreneurship Development at ISB.

Last year’s ISB iDiya Challenge winner was ‘SMV Wheels’, a venture based out of Varanasi that helps rickshaw pullers to fulfil their dreams to become self-employed.

>kurmanath.kanchi@thehindu.co.in

Related Topics