Pragati: AI for impact
Supporting nonprofits to harness AI for impactful change
Applications for The/Nudge accelerator are through referrals only. If interested to apply for the accelerator, please read the eligibility criteria below and write to socent@thenudge.org.
The/Nudge Institute presents Pragati: AI for Impact
Meta, through its AI for Impact initiative, is dedicated to empowering nonprofit organizations in India to harness the power of AI in addressing pressing challenges across livelihoods, skilling, healthcare, agriculture, and education. The program focuses on creating equitable impact for disadvantaged communities by enabling nonprofits to develop scalable, evidence-driven solutions that advance economic opportunity and social inclusion.
In F.Y. 26, Pragati aims to deepen its support by funding new pilots and expanding proven AI-led solutions for social good, anchored in a robust framework of strategy, implementation excellence, and continuous monitoring.
Abhishek Gupta
Having worked with The/Nudge Incubator and Accelerator for over 4 years now, I can’t reinforce enough on how instrumental The/Nudge has been to our mission of providing Software Engineering employment to young women from rural and tribal India. With the launch of The/Nudge Institute, we can only wish for more power to The/Nudge to do the unthinkable.
Simeen Kaleem
The/Nudge has brought urgency in the Indian social sector to alleviate poverty within our lifetime. Now, with The/Nudge Institute, it has put the spotlight on the most important lever to do this – livelihoods. I am hopeful that in its unique style, The/Nudge will mobilize resources and forge collaborations across the board to strengthen existing solutions and innovate models around new livelihoods streams.
What we offer
AI Innovation Grant
We offer an AI innovation grant of upto ₹INR 100 lakhs (at the seed stage), and upto INR 2 crore (at the scale stage) to develop pilots and scalable technology solutions that create measurable social impact.
AI Technical Expertise
We will connect nonprofit leaders with the resources and expertise needed to implement AI-driven solutions that will create meaningful, sustainable change in improving the lives and livelihoods of underserved communities.
Sector connect
Connect with an awesome peer group, and a network that is interested in your idea and eager to help you to grow.
The/Nudge Accelerator in numbers
Our application process
November – December 2025:
Our website will begin to receive applications from November 17, 2025. The application window for both the Seed and Scale tracks will be open. Eligible organisations will be invited to submit detailed proposals outlining their innovation, implementation plan, and intended outcomes. Last date for submission of applications will be December 31, 2025.
January – February 2026:
Round 1 of the evaluation process covering assessment of business plans, and 2 interviews (one with the^delta team, and the second with a technical expert) will be conducted. For organisations applying for the scale track, field visits may be conducted in February, and will be scheduled at the mutual convenience of both the^delta team, and the applicant.
February 2026:
Selected applicants from Round 1 will present to a jury of external experts, who will make the final recommendations for the cohort.
March 2026:
Signing of agreements and grant disbursements. Selected organisations in both the seed and scale cohorts will be intimated of their selection via email, in February 2026.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for four rounds of personal interviews with The/Nudge team and Socent partners.
Submit your proposal:
Submit your proposal using the provided application link before the final submission deadline (January 26, 2025). Ensure to review our FAQ for additional details.
Detailed review:
Shortlisted candidates will have upto 3 interviews in January and February 2025.
Final selection:
Final selections will be announced by February 19, 2025.
Interview with CSI partners.
Interview with CSI partners.
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Frequently asked questions
Meta Pragati AI for Impact 2.0 is a program designed to accelerate the adoption and scaling of technology and AI-driven nonprofit solutions across India. This program aims to guide and strengthen the technology-for-impact ecosystem by continuing to support innovative new pilots while scaling and mainstreaming proven technology solutions for social good. Through this effort, the initiative seeks to unlock the full potential of digital and AI innovation to drive inclusive and sustainable development across the country.
The program provides financial and non-financial support to help nonprofits build and scale impactful AI solutions. Selected organizations will receive:
- Grants — up to INR 1 crore (Seed stage) and between INR 1-2 crores (Scale stage).
- Strategic and implementation guidance from tech mentors.
- Workshops, masterclasses, and peer-learning sessions.
- Access to à-la-carte opportunities (cloud credits, data fellows, tech buddies).
- Visibility and network support via demo days, media features, and expert convenings.
The threshold eligibility for applicants for the seed and scale grants are:
- Registered Indian non-profit (Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company).
- Between 1–10 years old, or an alumni organization of The/Nudge Incubator or The/Nudge Accelerator.
- Annual budget of at least INR 1 crore (seed stage), and budget of at least INR ________ crore at the scale stage.
- The organisation must have an AI/technology component integral to its core operations, or demonstrate clear capacity to integrate technology effectively.
- All required corporate documentation must be submitted with the proposal.
- Note: Supported solutions must be non-commercial in nature.
Applicants must submit all corporate documentation as specified in the RFP, including:
- 80G or Provisional 80G
- 12A or Provisional 12A
- Financial statements for Financial Year 2023-24
- Latest Corporate Presentation
- Grant Proposal Document as per the following format.
- Application Submission Deadline: January 26, 2025
- January-February 2025: Shortlisting process, followed by Round 1 interviews conducted by The/Nudge team and technical experts, and Round 2 interviews led by an eminent jury.
- February to March 2025: Signing of agreements and grant disbursements.
- Development of AI solution: By April 30, 2025
- Pilot of the solution: By June 30, 2025
- Full-scale deployment of AI solution: Start by July 15, 2025
The program will select around 10-12 nonprofit organisations.
You will need to demonstrate the ability to secure the shortfall from other sources to be eligible for the grant.
Yes, this is a requirement of the grant.
Yes, you can use vendors to develop the AI for Impact Solution. The credentials of both the in-house team and vendor will be evaluated to develop the AI for Impact Solution.
