LIC Housing Finance, India's largest housing finance firm, has reaffirmed its commitment to social entrepreneurship by supporting the LIC HFL – IRMA Social Trailblazer Program Cohort 3. The program culminated in a two-day Startup Demo Day at iHub, Gujarat, on March 19-20, 2025. Hosted by IRMA's Incubator for Social Enterprises and Entrepreneurs Development (ISEED), the event offered a critical platform for social enterprises working on rural development, agricultural innovation, and sustainability to meet investors and industry experts.

Over the last two years, LIC HFL has been a strong ally of the Social Trailblazer Initiative in partnership with the IRMA ISEED Foundation. The program has incubated 47 successful startups so far, mentoring them, networking them, and giving seed capital to 23 of them. This initiative is in line with LIC HFL's larger commitment towards CSR-led social innovation, rural growth, and inclusive economic development.

In 2025, more than 300 applications were received for the program, out of which 57 startups were chosen to undergo an intensive Boot Camp. Upon intense mentorship and screening, 31 startups proceeded to the incubation stage, and 24 investment-ready businesses got a chance to present themselves before a Grand Jury during the two-day conference.

The conference was graced by important dignitaries, such as Smt. Radhika Rastogi (Principal Secretary, Govt. of Maharashtra), and eminent LIC HFL leaders: Shri Tribhuwan Adhikari (MD & CEO), Mr. Akshay Kumar Rout (Chairman, CSR Committee), Mr. Ramesh Adige (Independent Director, CSR Committee), and Mr. A. Gopakumar (Joint General Manager, CSR & ESG). Other eminent personalities were Mr. Arun Raste (CEO, National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange), Mr. Hiranmay Mahanta (CEO, iHub Gujarat), and senior faculty members of IRMA. The conference commenced with a felicitation ceremony for esteemed guests, after which panel sessions and keynote addresses highlighted the key role played by CSR in promoting innovation and sustainable development.

Shri Tribhuwan Adhikari, MD & CEO, LIC HFL, said, "LIC HFL is privileged to sponsor initiatives that empower social entrepreneurs making a difference. Through nurturing startups that solve pressing social and environmental challenges, we hope to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future. The LIC HFL – IRMA Social Trailblazer Program remains a pillar of effective social entrepreneurship in India, paving the way for sustainable solutions."