Harnessing social innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship to solve rural challenges and foster inclusive growth.
The world is at a critical juncture where it has become imperative to drive economic viability and address environmental sustainability challenges simultaneously. This dual-goal model is necessitated by a gamut of socio-economic-ecological problems, prevalent particularly in rural areas. In developing economies like India, some of these problems in the rural segment include poverty & inequality, unemployment & underemployment, agricultural distress, youth outmigration, infrastructural gaps, climate change & biodiversity loss, poor sanitation, hygiene and waste management systems, social conflict, and more. This underscores the immediate need to harness social innovations and sustainable entrepreneurship that can foster economic prosperity and environmental stewardship.
Agricultural distress
Poverty and inequality
Unemployment and underemployment
Youth outmigration
Infrastructural gaps
Climate change and biodiversity loss
Waste and sanitation gaps
Social cohesion and conflict
SRI exists to co-create solutions that unlock prosperity while protecting the planet. We work at the intersection of research, innovation, and community partnership to address these interconnected challenges through sustainable entrepreneurship and social innovation.
Applied research and programs across agriculture, inclusion, and community resilience.
Our vision and mission guide everything we do.
Our Vision
Empowering communities through cutting-edge research and pioneering livelihood solutions by catalyzing positive and lasting change, fostering equity and inclusion, and sustainable development through social innovation and entrepreneurship for a better, brighter future of the rural youth.
Our Mission
Aligned to the SDGs
SRI programs align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that every initiative advances inclusive growth, ecological balance, and equitable opportunities.
"By integrating SDG principles into every project, we create pathways for rural communities to thrive economically while protecting the ecosystems they depend on."
A note from the SRI lead on why this work matters.
Message from Dr. Debasish Mohapatra
SRI is a bridge between rigorous research and the lived realities of rural communities. We listen first, co-create solutions with local partners, and scale what works so livelihoods grow alongside ecological stewardship. If you want to build for impact, you will find both guidance and ground truth here.
Program pillars that connect rural innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
Surface local innovations, traditional knowledge, and community priorities through participatory research.
Co-create solutions with accessible technology and market-ready models that communities can adopt.
Pilot, mentor, and scale livelihood initiatives with partners across regions for maximum impact.
Applied research and community programs advancing social inclusion and sustainability.
Funding Agency
Project Description
Relevant Sustainable Development Goals: SDG-10; SDG-16
Funding Agency
Project Description
Relevant Sustainable Development Goals: SDG-10; SDG-15
Funding Agency
Project Description
Relevant Sustainable Development Goals: SDG-1; SDG-13
Funding Agency
Project Description
Relevant Sustainable Development Goals: SDG-3; SDG-5; SDG-12
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Collaborate on field research, community pilots, and entrepreneurial initiatives that strengthen rural livelihoods.
