Are you a changemaker committed to building resilient livelihoods for marginalized communities in India? Do you lead a mission-driven startup or non-profit that’s in its early stages? If yes, the The/Nudge Incubator 2025 is your gateway to scale your social impact with expert guidance, resources, and a powerful network.
Application Deadline: May 18, 2025
Program Duration: July 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
About The/Nudge Incubator Program
The/Nudge Incubator is a premier incubation program designed exclusively for early-stage non-profit social enterprises in India that are committed to improving livelihood outcomes for marginalized communities. Run by The/Nudge Centre for Social Innovation, the incubator supports organizations that are creating sustainable, scalable, and innovative solutions to India’s most pressing livelihood challenges.
With a strong focus on capacity building, funding readiness, leadership development, and ecosystem access, this 9-month high-touch program equips selected founders with the tools they need to succeed.
📌 Program Highlights:
- Intense bootcamps and hands-on workshops
- Expert-led masterclasses with industry leaders
- 1:1 personalized mentoring by subject-matter experts
- Portfolio support to help refine models and strategies
- Networking opportunities with funders, partners, and alumni
- Exposure through The/Nudge ecosystem
Who Should Apply?
The/Nudge Incubator 2025 is ideal for:
- Early-stage non-profit startups (0–3 years) with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or Proof of Concept (PoC)
- Organizations registered or planning to register as a Section 8 company, trust, or society by May 31, 2025
- Founders who are working full-time on their social enterprise
- Initiatives that are laser-focused on livelihoods—empowering vulnerable and marginalized communities through jobs, entrepreneurship, skill development, or sustainable income generation
✅ Bonus Eligibility: Even if your organization is 3 to 5 years old, you can apply if launching a new livelihoods-focused initiative. The program will help you refine and validate your new idea while leveraging your organizational experience.
✅ Eligibility Criteria At a Glance
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Stage | Early-stage (0–3 years) with MVP or PoC |
| Registration | Must be a registered or soon-to-register non-profit (Section 8/trust/society) by May 31, 2025 |
| Founder Involvement | At least one founder must be working full-time on the initiative |
| Sector Focus | Must target livelihood creation for marginalized communities |
| Older Organizations | (3–5 years old) can apply if launching a new livelihood-focused initiative |
🗓️ Program Timeline
| Phase | Dates |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | Ongoing |
| Application Deadline | May 18, 2025 |
| Rolling Evaluation | April – May 2025 |
| Final Cohort Announcement | Last Week of June 2025 |
| Program Start | July 1, 2025 |
| Program End | March 31, 2026 |
⏳ Apply Early! Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis—the earlier you apply, the better your chances of being evaluated early.
Selection Process
The/Nudge Incubator selection process is designed to identify high-potential social entrepreneurs with a strong commitment to creating change in the livelihoods space.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Application Form Submission
Submit a detailed application outlining your initiative, target impact, team, and approach. - Business Plan Submission (Only for shortlisted candidates)
Include details like problem statement, beneficiary engagement, scalability, and financial strategy. Check our FAQs for specific guidelines. - Interviews with The/Nudge Team
Dive deeper into your idea, execution strategy, and your team’s commitment. - Partner Interviews
Finalists will engage with social innovation partners for further evaluation and potential support. - Final Selection
The 2025 cohort will be announced in late June 2025.
What You’ll Gain
Being part of The/Nudge Incubator is more than just a program—it’s an ecosystem. Here’s what you stand to gain:
- Strategic Mentorship: Work closely with experts who’ve scaled successful social ventures.
- Peer Learning: Collaborate and learn from like-minded changemakers.
- Visibility: Get featured in platforms like the 70+ Livelihood Book, which showcases successful alumni.
- Impact-Driven Curriculum: Learn everything from fundraising and communications to M&E and theory of change.
- Growth Mindset: Build a resilient organization with a scalable model and deep social impact.
Examples of Past Livelihood Innovations
Want inspiration before applying? Check out our 70+ Livelihood Book, featuring real-world success stories of organizations that have:
- Enabled tribal artisans to access e-commerce markets
- Trained rural women in solar energy entrepreneurship
- Created digital platforms for skilling migrant workers
- Supported sustainable agri-businesses in drought-prone areas
These stories are a testament to the kind of impact and innovation The/Nudge Incubator nurtures.
Why Choose The/Nudge Incubator?
If you’re a mission-driven founder focused on livelihoods and seeking:
- Deep mentorship
- A collaborative learning environment
- Hands-on guidance on scaling your non-profit
- Exposure to ecosystem players and funders
Then this program is the launchpad you’ve been waiting for.
How to Apply
Ready to take your idea to the next level?
➡️ Visit the official application page: [Insert official link here]
📅 Deadline: May 18, 2025
💡 Pro tip: Apply early and stand a better chance at being shortlisted for the next round.
For complete application guidelines and FAQs, make sure to visit the [program’s FAQ section] (Insert link).
📞 Need Help?
If you have questions regarding eligibility, application process, or program design, feel free to reach out to us via [insert contact method/email/social].
📣 Final Thoughts
India needs bold, passionate, and driven social entrepreneurs like you to solve some of its toughest livelihood challenges. The/Nudge Incubator is here to back you every step of the way. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain the mentorship, resources, and visibility you need to make a lasting difference.
🌍 Apply now and be the change you want to see in the world.