PRIF’s Rs 2 Cr CSR Push Powers Green Innovation in North East through IIM CIP’s ‘Prakriti’ Incubator

In a major push to promote sustainable entrepreneurship in the North East, Pernod Ricard India Foundation (PRIF) has committed Rs 2 crore through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund to power Prakriti Incubation Launchpad, a unique initiative by the IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIM CIP). The fund will support early-stage entrepreneurs and innovators from the eight Northeastern states who are working in the green economy space.
In an exclusive interaction with Business North East, Pankaj Baruah, Portfolio Head at IIM CIP, said the funding will be deployed to support ten entrepreneurs in the first year, with each receiving a fellowship grant, and the top five performers vying for a maximum grant of Rs 20 lakh each. “We looked at what would be an effective amount, not too small to be meaningless, not too big to overwhelm an early-stage entrepreneur. After careful evaluation, RS 20 lakh per selected innovator felt like the right balance,” said Baruah.

PRIF’s backing marks a significant milestone for the region’s startup ecosystem, especially those engaged in sustainability, circular economy, and indigenous innovation.

The Prakriti Incubation Launchpad is more than just a funding initiative, it is a full-fledged incubation and capacity-building program. Designed specifically for the North East, the program aims to bring structure and visibility to local innovations in sustainable living. “This initiative is not just for startups. Anyone from the region, even a sole proprietor working with sustainable products or processes rooted in local practices, is eligible to apply,” Baruah clarified.

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