10 NGOs take the big stage to demo solutions for poverty alleviation

N/Core, the Bangalore based incubator for non-profit start-ups, celebrated the graduation of ten non-profits solving problems of poverty through innovative solutions in education and housing.

The open cohort received over 1150 applications from architects, educators, and artists, which was jointly supported by Mphasis F1 Foundation (Mphasis’s CSR arm), Omidyar Network and D.E. Shaw India CSR. These start-ups showcased their solutions at Soiree – an exclusive Demo day for a gathering of 80 High Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs), Philanthropic institutions, CSR heads and sector leaders at the CoWrks in Bangalore.

Among the graduating start-ups are:

1. Manzil Mystics and Slam Out Loud, both Delhi based non-profits, using music and performing arts to build life-skills among children in public schools and shelter homes

2. Chennai based Madhi Foundation and Pune-based start-up, Leadership for Equity are improving the effectiveness of public school systems

3. RightWalk Foundation based in Lucknow is improving access to Right To Education (RTE) for all children

4. Bangalore-based Anthill Creations is making play inclusive through well-designed playscapes while Bridges of Sports is uplifting underserved and marginalized communities through sports.

Meenu Bhambhani, Vice President & Head – Corporate Social Responsibility, Mphasis, said: “It requires courage, empathy, and willingness to tread on a path less travelled, especially for those who are underserved. These young, capable founders have demonstrated exactly that. We are very excited by what this cohort has to offer and are delighted to fuel their aspirations to make a difference at a large scale.”

The cohort also has notable diversity in thematic areas in which the entrepreneurs work. N/Core’s collaboration with Omidyar Network on solving underserved problems in land and housing has led to incubation of billionBricks, working to end homelessness through their innovative, energy positive houses.

MyCityMoney is focused on improving financial prudence in government spending. Eco-habitats, has developed housing under INR 4.5L that offers a dignified living to low-income communities. Inspired by this early success, Omidyar Network and N/Core have committed to a 3-year partnership to discover and nurture top talent working in land and property inclusivity.