India aspires to become an “impact nation”—one that delivers inclusive development through innovation and social transformation. A research-based social entrepreneurship course within Indian academia can be pivotal to this journey. By equipping students with both theoretical frameworks and practical problem-solving tools, such courses catalyze innovation targeted at pressing social issues like poverty, education, healthcare, and environmental degradation . Institutions like TISS, Azim Premji University, and IRMA have pioneered programs in social innovation and entrepreneurship, demonstrating strong outcomes from academic integration.

Embedding rigorous research components enables students to develop scalable solutions grounded in field realities, as exemplified by IIM Raipur's MoU for rural entrepreneurship and hands-on mentoring of social ventures . Moreover, dedicated academic centers - such as Ashoka University’s Centre for Social Impact and Philanthropy - offer models for integrating policy, behavioral insights, and impact-driven scholarship.

A structured, research-based curriculum lays the foundation for impactful, sustainable ventures - nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets that drive both economic growth and social equity.

Quick Recap

• Why research-based social entrepreneurship courses matter: Build innovation and problem-solving within real-world social contexts.

• Existing precedents: TISS and other institutions offering focused programs; IIM Raipur’s rural-social impact collaboration; Ashoka’s specialized centers.