Under the Indian law, CSR is a duty assigned to the companies with the balance sheets to absorb responsibility as a statutory cost, but outside the framework of obligation, a quieter and more deliberate movement is taking root. Indian startup founders are not required to give back, but they are doing the job well. In a world of funding sprints and market expansion, these young companies are carving out space for something slower, deeper, and often overlooked: impact. Whether it is working with underserved communities, integrating sustainability into operations, or building products that solve real, grassroots problems, these startups are choosing to lead with intent. Their scale may be modest for now, but their ambition to grow with conscience is anything but. This list is a testament to that emerging ethic, a new generation of builders who understand that responsibility is not a footnote to success. It is part of the opening line.
Here are five startups that are walking the talk, weaving CSR not into their quarterly plans but into the DNA of their journey.
Niramai: Where a Scan Can Save a Life and Her Dignity
At Niramai, the mission is clear: early cancer detection should be accessible to every woman, everywhere. Their AI-powered, non-invasive breast cancer screening solution, Thermalytix, is changing the way healthcare reaches underserved communities. Niramai’s work extended far beyond just technology; it reached the hearts of women in rural and semi-urban areas, providing screenings that save lives and preserve dignity. By partnering with the Government of Punjab, Rotary Clubs, and local NGOs, Niramai has made breast cancer screenings more accessible than ever. Whether it’s through mobile screening units like the Pink Autos or collaborations ensuring screenings in remote villages, Niramai’s focus is on ensuring every woman has the opportunity to detect cancer early and get the care she needs, at no cost.
Mintoak Cares: Because Impact Should Begin at Home
At Mintoak, empathy is more than just a value, it is the cornerstone of their culture. The company’s CSR initiative, Mintoak Cares, is a testament to this commitment. Focused on creating long-term, meaningful change, Mintoak partners with NGOs that align with its core principles of empathy, empowerment, and impact. From supporting animal welfare through The Feline Foundation and World For All, to providing sustainable energy to off-grid villages with Project Chirag, to helping young athletes through the Anup Sridhar Badminton Academy, Mintoak’s CSR initiatives are grounded in real-world action. Their Matching Grant Programme doubles employee donations, amplifying impact even further, while #OneFridayForGood encourages staff to give back in their own way. Mintoak proves that doing good is not just a by-product of success, it’s essential to it.
Supertails: Pawsitive Impact, One Step at a Time
At Supertails, making a difference is not just about providing pet care, it is about creating a healthier, happier future for all animals. In 2025, the company made significant strides with its CSR initiatives focused on both animal welfare and community engagement. On National Pet Day, Supertails launched the Water It Up campaign to ensure that stray animals in Bengaluru have easy access to drinking water during the city’s hot summer months. The campaign began on April 8, distributing 200 water bowls in areas frequently visited by stray animals, including Banashankari, Koramangala, HSR Layout, Cubbon Park, Ulsoor Lake, and Indiranagar. The local community has been highly supportive of the initiative, with many residents volunteering to maintain and refill the bowls with fresh water. This collective effort aims to make summer more bearable for the strays of Bengaluru.
GE Aerospace: Driving Change, One E-Rickshaw at a Time
In 2025, GE Aerospace, in collaboration with United Way Bengaluru, expanded its commitment to women’s empowerment through sustainable mobility. The initiative provided 53 e-rickshaws to women from underserved communities in Bengaluru, aiming to create sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The programme, supported by Parihar (an initiative of the Bengaluru Police Commissioner’s office), includes comprehensive training for the women drivers. Each e-rickshaw is equipped with a smartphone, enabling the drivers to connect with cab aggregators and manage ride requests efficiently. This approach not only promotes eco-friendly transportation but also facilitates financial independence for the participants. What began as a modest initiative with just six e-rickshaws has now grown to a fleet of 69, reflecting the programme’s scalability and impact. By integrating technology, training, and community support, GE Aerospace and United Way Bengaluru are steering towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Parnika India: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs from Home
In 2025, Parnika India, a leading manufacturer and exporter of women’s ethnic wear based in Surat, expanded its commitment to women’s empowerment through its Women Support Programme. This initiative has enabled over 10,000 women across India to embark on entrepreneurial journeys with minimal investment and substantial support. The programme offers comprehensive training in business development, time management, social media marketing, and digital customer engagement. These modules are tailored to assist homemakers, working mothers, and aspiring entrepreneurs in operating flexible, home-based ventures confidently. To facilitate these entrepreneurs, Parnika India provides a suite of marketing tools, including professionally designed digital creatives, ready-to-use product catalogues, WhatsApp message templates, and content for social media promotions. These resources simplify the go-to-market process, enabling women to focus on sales and customer relationships. The initiative has led to improved digital literacy, greater financial independence, and increased social influence among participants. Many have become local role models, inspiring other women in their communities to pursue entrepreneurship. Looking ahead, Parnika India aims to empower over 100,000 women entrepreneurs by 2030, aligning with its broader mission to make entrepreneurship accessible regardless of location, background, or financial resources.
These five startups prove that corporate responsibility is not just the domain of legacy giants. It is increasingly a conscious choice made by young, mission-driven companies from day one. Whether it is healthcare access, animal welfare, women’s empowerment, or sustainable livelihoods, these ventures are showing that purpose and profit can grow side by side. In doing so, they are not just building businesses; they are shaping a new ethos for India’s startup ecosystem, one where impact is not an afterthought but a founding principle.
These startups remind us that in India’s evolving entrepreneurial landscape, impact is an afterthought and is becoming the opening line. CSR may be voluntary for them, but the purpose is not. It is the new hallmark of startups built with soul.