MICROCAPITAL STORY: Engineers for Social Impact (E4SI) Launches New Fellowship Program in India for Engineers in Microfinance, Social Enterprises

Engineers for Social Impact (E4SI), a new fellowship program in India, has begun its recruitment process to match the top five undergraduate candidates from Indian engineering schools with five partner social enterprises that are focusing on development by means of sustainable for-profit entrepreneurship.

Participating for-profit social enterprises are leaders in the sectors of microfinance, investment advisory, education, energy, and health. They are: Ujjivan, a non-bank financial institution that serves poor Indian women by optimizing microfinance with modern retail banking technologies; Intellecap, a strategic advisory firm that mobilizes investments for socially-motivated businesses; iDiscoveri, an experiential education organization focused on self-discovery and meaningful learning in economically emerging societies; Solar Electric Light Company (SELCO India), a company that provides reliable, affordable, and environmentally sustainable energy services to rural homes and businesses; and Vaatsalya, a company that seeks to expand rural and semi-urban healthcare by building and managing hospitals where they are needed most.

Candidates will be selected from the following undergraduate engineering schools in throughout India: BITS Pilano, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras, NITK Surathkal, NIT Trichy, NIT Warangal and NSIT. Ideal candidates should demonstrate an interest in entrepreneurship and development through enterprise. As leaders in their peer groups, they will raise awareness of sustainable opportunities created through social initiatives. Nitin Rao, founder of E4SI, hopes that fellows will go on to lead or found organizations to “accelerate development through enterprise”. For more information on how to apply, please visit the E4SI website. Complete applications are due by March 2, 2008.

E4SI is led by four team members, including Founder Nitin Rao and four advisors.

By Mary Fu

Additional Resources:

Newswire Today: “New Innovative Portal Program to Connect the Best Engineering Talent to the Most Credible Social Enterprises Launched”

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