School of Livelihood and Rural Development
Bodhika – The Innovation Initiative
Core Initiative
Bodhika
The Innovation Initiative
Bodhika, derived from the Sanskrit word Bodhi (awakening), is SLRD’s centre for innovation, dedicated to developing transformative, tech-enabled solutions for both rural and urban development.
Bridging Challenges and Ideas
Bodhika bridges the gap between ground-level challenges and next-generation ideas through experimentation, collaboration and co-creation. It incubates agri-tech, clean energy, urban-rural linkages, water solutions, digital tools and livelihood innovations rooted in real-world needs, working with communities, academic institutions, startups and innovators to prototype, pilot and scale solutions that are affordable, high-impact and inclusive.
Innovation Programs
Bodhika organises innovation labs, hackathons, rural-urban challenge programs and innovation fellowships to nurture youth innovators and changemakers. It emphasizes the integration of indigenous knowledge systems with modern science to develop context-sensitive models, and champions social innovation by rethinking governance, micro-enterprise systems and participatory design.
Key Focus Areas
- Smart tools for sustainable farming and urban agriculture
- Solar-powered agri-processing and energy access
- Climate-adaptive technologies
- Digital marketplaces and advisory platforms for FPOs
- Water and waste solutions in underserved areas