CSR Programs
The Akamai CSR Water Incubation & Acceleration Program is the flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of Akamai Technologies India CSR Trust, designed to support technology-driven startups and innovators addressing India’s water challenges. The program is implemented in partnership with the International Centre for Clean Water (ICCW), IIT Madras.
Program Overview:
🏷️ Program Name: Akamai CSR Water Incubation & Acceleration Program
📅 Launched: 2020
🤝 Partner: International Centre for Clean Water (ICCW), IIT Madras
💧 Focus: Supporting innovative startups developing scalable solutions for water conservation, water quality, water management, groundwater recharge, and sustainable water use.
Objectives
🌱 Identify and nurture early-stage and growth-stage water technology startups.
🚀 Enable innovators to develop market-ready and scalable solutions.
💧 Address India’s growing water challenges through technology and innovation.
🤝 Build a strong ecosystem of entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry experts.
Program Support
💰 Seed funding/grants
🚀 Incubation or acceleration support
🤝 One-on-one mentorship from industry experts
⚙️ Technical guidance from ICCW and IIT Madras
🎯 Business strategy and market access support
🌐 Networking opportunities with investors, corporates, and ecosystem partners
🔬 Access to labs and testing facilities (where applicable)
Program Tracks
Incubation Program
- Supports early-stage startups with innovative ideas or prototypes.
- Focuses on product development, validation, business model, and pilot deployement.
Acceleration Program
- Supports startups with validated products looking to scale at Waterpreneur Studio.
- Focuses on commercialization, customer acquisition, partnerships, fundraising, and market expansion.
Impact
- More than 30 startups have been supported since its launch in 2020.
- Startups receive funding, mentoring, and ecosystem to build sustainable solutions for India’s water challenges.
