Apple, Acumen Drive Clean Energy Innovation in India
Apple and Acumen have teamed up to launch a groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting social enterprises in India.
Their joint effort focuses on harnessing clean energy innovation to enhance livelihoods and combat poverty. The Energy for Livelihoods Accelerator, a 12-week programme led by Acumen experts, will empower social entrepreneurs to scale and refine their businesses, positively impacting the lives of underprivileged individuals while promoting environmental sustainability.
The application process for the programme is currently open, and the selected participants will commence their journey in September. Social enterprise leaders dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions for small businesses and farmers in India are encouraged to apply before the July 24 deadline.
Apple's Vice President of Environment and Supply Chain Innovation, Sarah Chandler, expressed the company's commitment to inclusivity in a greener economy, highlighting their belief in the potential of clean energy transformation.
With a track record of investing in poverty-alleviating enterprises in India, Acumen is excited about partnering with Apple to foster an ecosystem of scalable social businesses that improve livelihoods through sustainable energy.
Mahesh Yagnaraman, Acumen's Director of India, emphasised the organisation's dedication to nurturing innovative projects at the intersection of energy access and livelihood enhancement. Participants in the programme will gain invaluable support through a network of peers, facilitators, and mentors.
Furthermore, they will become part of Acumen Academy's global community, The Foundry, and may receive technical assistance and early-stage investment opportunities through Acumen's Pioneer Energy Investment Initiative (PEII+).
In India, Apple has also collaborated with Frank Water to expand access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene, as well as partnered with the Applied Environmental Research Foundation (AERF) to preserve mangroves along the country's west coast.
These initiatives align with Apple's overarching goal to achieve carbon neutrality for all its products by 2030. To accomplish this, Apple has secured commitments from over 250 global manufacturing partners, including 12 in India, to transition to 100% renewable energy for production.
Moreover, all final assembly sites in India have achieved zero waste. Apple's dedication to environmental sustainability is further demonstrated through the expansion of its Restore Fund and the announcement of new targets for using recycled materials in its products by 2025.
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Source: Apple
