In a step that deepens Indo-German collaboration in sustainable innovation, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) — the Indian arm of Germany’s Daimler Truck AG — has partnered with the IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) to launch the DICV–IIMCIP Social Impact Incubation Programme. The initiative, officially announced on October 27, 2025, is supported by DICV’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund and seeks to strengthen the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in India.
Germany’s CSR-Driven Investment in Indian Entrepreneurship
This CSR-backed initiative will nurture 10 promising Indian social enterprises developing technology-led and sustainable solutions for community development — reinforcing Germany’s long-standing partnership with India in driving inclusive, green, and innovation-led growth.
Under the programme, each of the 10 enterprises will receive a ₹1 lakh Fellowship Grant. The top five startups will then progress to a second phase, unlocking Implementation Grants of up to ₹20 lakh each, along with access to expert mentoring, industry networks, and international visibility within Indo-German innovation circles.
“Entrepreneurship Can Solve India’s Most Pressing Challenges”
Speaking at the launch, Ajay Jain, Chairman of the Board at IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, said that entrepreneurship is a powerful tool to address India’s complex developmental challenges. He added that through this collaboration with Daimler India — a German-origin company deeply integrated into India’s industrial landscape — IIMCIP aims to cultivate “socially responsible entrepreneurs who combine innovation, technology, and purpose to achieve measurable social impact.”
Satyakam Arya, Managing Director and CEO of DICV, underlined that sustainability has always been central to Daimler’s ethos. “Our partnership with IIMCIP represents a strategic commitment to fostering the next generation of inclusive and green innovation. By supporting these social entrepreneurs, we are investing directly in India’s sustainable future while strengthening the bridge of Indo-German cooperation in social innovation,” Arya said.
Focus Areas: Sustainability, Mobility, and Empowerment
The DICV–IIMCIP Social Impact Incubation Programme will focus on Sustainability, Green Mobility, Community Development, and Women Empowerment — areas that align closely with both India’s Viksit Bharat vision and Germany’s sustainability commitments under the SDGs.
Applications will be invited through a nationwide online process to ensure transparency and diversity. Following multiple evaluation rounds by domain experts and a joint jury from DICV and IIMCIP, selected enterprises will undergo an 8-month incubation journey. The programme begins later in November 2025, starting with diagnostic sessions and business due diligence to design tailored growth roadmaps.
Building an Indo-German Model for Social Impact
The collaboration reflects Germany’s growing engagement in India’s startup and social enterprise landscape, where multinational corporations are increasingly co-creating impact-driven business models. By combining German engineering discipline and Indian entrepreneurial dynamism, the initiative seeks to develop scalable social innovations that improve livelihoods and promote sustainable development.
Ultimately, the programme aims to create a pipeline of India-based entrepreneurs equipped with tools, mentorship, and cross-border exposure to contribute to India’s socio-economic transformation — showcasing how Indo-German partnerships can drive innovation with purpose.
