EDII partners with noted corporates to implement its CSR initiatives. Under these initiatives, the Institute runs community-driven activities for social and economic development of communities, mainly covering women, disadvantaged populace, PwDs and the marginalized. EDII extends training and mentoring support to develop necessary skills and knowledge to ensure New Enterprise Creation. EDII is closely working with Accenture Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Tata Power, Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI), HSBC, Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd., Utkal Alumina International Ltd. (UAIL), Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) and Tata Communications Ltd. and several other esteemed partners. Dr. Raman Gujral, Professor & Director- Department of CSR Partnerships, is overseeing all initiatives of the department.
Women beneficiaries over the last two months stride big…
- Over 1950 women were supported and guided under Projects like Skills-toSucceed – Micro Skillpreneurship Development Programme (MSDP), supported by Accenture Solutions Pvt. Ltd.; Aarohan supported by Tata Power- Mundra, Pragati supported by Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL) and UDAYA 4.0 supported by Tata Communications Ltd.
- Five Technology-based Entrepreneurship Development Programmes (TEDPs) were conducted under Project RISE supported by Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI) to promote technology based ventures, benefiting 132 women.
- Under Project Pragati supported by Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL) six Women Group Enterprises were established, benefitting 60 women. These enterprises are operating with all essential legal compliances, which have strengthened their credibility in the market, opening paths for expansions and diversification. Women entrepreneurs have also been facilitated with PAN cards and relevant MSME registrations.
The WeAct (the Chambers of Commerce for Women) platform supported by Accenture Pvt. Ltd. aims to empower women entrepreneurs by providing market access, networking opportunities and business improvement strategies. On October 1, 2025, WeAct signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Directorate of Employment and Training (DET), Government of Gujarat. This partnership will jointly support 2000 women trainees in Fashion Technology and Dressmaking during 2025–2027. The collaboration ensures entrepreneurship development opportunities, exposure visits, access to market linkages and continuous institutional support. Till date WeAct has a strong base of 22,657 women members.
On October 8th and 9th, 2025, two WeAct enterprises Prakruti & Co. and Vikas Pottery Works, participated in an exhibition hosted by General Electric (GE), Bangalore, generating sales of Rs. 25,219.
Empowering disadvantaged communities
The Micro Skillpreneurship Development Programmes (MSDP), supported by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), focus on empowering the disadvantaged groups. 8 MSDPs were conducted, benefiting 320 beneficiaries. Additionally, 40 Udyam registrations were generated, 20 new enterprises were promoted and 11 market stalls were organized to support product promotion and sales.
Under Project Udyamee 2.0 supported by Utkal Alumina International Ltd. (UAIL), three sensitization programmes on entrepreneurship, created awareness among 160 participants. Additionally, two UDYAM Registrations and two GST licensing and FSSAI registrations were secured.
On November 18-19, 2025, Women entrepreneurs trained under Project Udyamee 2.0 supported by Utkal Alumina International Ltd. (UAI L ), participated in a CSR exhibition of UAIL. Unique millet products garnered a lot of attention.
On November 8, 2025, Rural Women Entrepreneurs award ceremony was organized. It was graced by Ms. Akavaram Sasya Reddy, Sub- Collector, Koraput for Jeypore subdivision, as the Chief Guest. Project Udyamee 2.0 supported by Utkal Alumina International Ltd. (UAIL) guided a group enterprise (Sree Arnna Mahila Sahayika Sangha) making millet-based food products and a women entrepreneur (M. Jasoda Jhodia) providing catering services and running a vegetable shop, were awarded for their achievements.
Promoting weavers and artisans
The HandMade in India (HMI) project, supported by HSBC, empowers handloom weavers and artisans in Bhuj and Erode clusters. Under the project, 90 new enterprises were created and registered. Additionally, 2 awareness programmes were conducted, where 40 participants gained knowledge about installing Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP) and Water Treatment Plants (WTP), enabling enterprises to adopt sustainable practices while improving efficiency.
During the HMI Design Development intervention, over 300 new product samples were created and 15 product catalogues were developed. The project strengthened market linkages for handloom weavers by facilitating issuance of more than 300 Pehchan Cards and 31 Handloom Mark registrations.
HSBC organized the ‘Helping Hand Mela’ exhibition at its Fort Branch in Mumbai. The event was graced by Ms. Aloka Majumdar, Managing Director, Global Head of Philanthropy & Head of Sustainability – India, HSBC. Artisans received an encouraging response and appreciation during the mela.
Beneficiaries of Project Aarohan, supported by Tata Power–Mundra, showcased their products at the preDiwali and Go Swadeshi Exhibitions. 10 artisans participated and generated sales of more than Rs. 2 lakh.