Gurgaon: India Accelerator (IA) has launched Impact Labs, a new vertical in partnership with the United Nations Technology Innovation Labs (UNTILs), to support startups focused on sustainable development goals (SDGs). Impact Labs aims to help early-stage ventures create scalable solutions that address key socio-economic issues in India, including climate action, healthcare, and financial inclusion.
Since its inception in 2024, Impact Labs has invested $2.5 million in over 20 startups, including companies like Optimizers (optical care), Giverly (payment solutions), LivESense (green supply chain), Dharaksha (alternative packaging), and Credit Siddhi (financial inclusion). The initiative focuses on startups catering to India’s “Next Half Billion,” a key demographic group.
The Indian impact investment market is seeing increased interest, with funding growing by 15% annually since 2017. Projections suggest the market could reach $27.1 trillion by 2030. Impact investments in India have delivered an average internal rate of return (IRR) of 10% over the past decade, with some equity investments producing an IRR of 30%.
Impact Labs plans to inject an additional $5 million through private capital and mobilize $5 million through CSR and government partnerships for projects in healthcare, climate, and assistive technology.
