Ciena, in collaboration with the nasscom Foundation, has launched the TechForChange program, a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative designed to foster social innovation and entrepreneurship among India’s youth. The program partners with leading universities in the Delhi NCR region, including FITT-IIT Delhi, Jamia Millia Islamia, and Delhi Technological University, to create an environment where student-led startups can thrive.

At FITT-IIT Delhi, known for its expertise in innovation and technology transfer, the initiative provides robust support through extensive resources and mentorship. Students receive practical guidance, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application, transforming their entrepreneurial ideas into impactful social ventures.

Jamia Millia Islamia follows a similar model, equipping students with essential resources and workshops to foster an entrepreneurial mindset. With support from Ciena’s volunteers and industry experts, participants benefit from technical and business mentoring, refining their ideas and enhancing their career prospects in emerging technologies.

The TechForChange program has also expanded its partnerships to institutions like Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Engineering, Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, and several others. This expansion aims to empower students across the region to innovate and create social ventures that address pressing societal challenges. The program places a strong emphasis on fostering women’s participation, cultivating a diverse and inclusive ecosystem where varied perspectives contribute to innovative solutions.

Amit Malik, Vice President, Sales India at Ciena, highlighted the program’s mission, stating, “Working with the nasscom foundation, we’re nurturing the next generation of innovators. Our aim is to equip students with the tools and expertise required to create solutions that make a lasting difference in their communities.”

The program spans 18 months, providing hands-on training in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and the Internet of Things. Students gain access to mentorship, funding, and essential tools aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Over the past two cohorts, the program has seen 157 ideas submitted, with 11 startups receiving seed grants of ₹5,00,000 in the first cohort and ₹6,00,000 in the second, following rigorous prototype evaluations and final demonstrations.

Vishal Thakur, CTO at nasscom foundation, emphasized the importance of the initiative, saying, “Empowering young minds through technology is essential for building a sustainable future. We believe that fostering social innovation among youth can create meaningful change in their communities.”

Now in its third year, TechForChange continues to generate innovative ideas and foster a culture of entrepreneurship, driving sustainable development and technological advancement while promoting inclusivity and diversity in the innovation landscape.

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