We just heard from the E4SI folks that they have started accepting applications to select their third batch of fellows.
Engineers for Social Impact E4SI (which we covered here and was started by former Nextbillion staff writer Nitin Rao) is a unique fellowship opportunity for Indian youth from some of the most prestigious technical schools to spend their summers working in dynamic responsible businesses. These include renewable energy companies, such as SELCO that provide sustainable energy solutions, to the rural homes and businesses. My two personal favorites over the last couple of months:
- Husk Power Systems, which provides energy to thousands of homes in Bihar using micro power plants that makes use of discarded rice husk and has some big names backing it and;
- Sarvajal, which is a Piramal backed startup providing pure water at just 25p per litre to the BoP.
Visit this page to see the complete list of partening enterprises. E4SI fellowships promise to be highly entrepreneurial as it combines the best of consulting, technology, and social innovation.
Apart from the fellowship, the fellows gather together for an orientation session to interact amongst themselves as well as with industry representatives. Past speakers have included business leaders such as Gurcharan Das (ex CEO P&G India turned author), Harish Hande (CEO, SELCO), Laura Parkin (Co-Founder, Wadhwani Foundation & NEN), and representatives from Acumen Fund, Unitus, Ashoka, SONG Advisors (a Soros, Omidyar, and Google.org Investment Fund) and IFMR Trust.
The competition is tough but the reward is something worth fighting for.
If you're sold to the idea of comitting 8 weeks or more of your time this summer to any one ofthese champion enterprises, then head over to the registration page.
Deadline for submitting your application is the 7th of March 2010.