Development Alternatives contributed to the newly launched “Women Mean Business” Gender Playbook, offering practical insights on enabling women-led micro-enterprises in India's green economy. Drawing from our experience in rural entrepreneurship, implementation of social innovation and ecosystem-building, our inputs helped shape inclusive strategies and amplify grassroots stories alongside CEEW, Villgro, and SEWA.

Participatory planning through village-led governance and livelihood platforms

In June 2025, the Urja Mandala model took a major leap forward with the launch of two new solar mini-grids - 40kWp in Mirzapur and 30kWp in Sonbhadra. These decentralised, community-led energy systems are putting women at the center of clean energy transitions, supported by HSBC and local leadership.

Oman explores local clays for sustainable low-carbon LC³ cement.

Multi-location community events focused on beating the plastic pollution

Development Alternatives met Sri Harekrishna Panda, Superintending Engineer, PWD, in Keonjhar to promote low-carbon building materials. The meeting highlighted strong alignment and enthusiasm for sustainable innovations in Odisha’s infrastructure policies, paving the way for policy integration, scalable models, and deeper collaboration for climate-resilient public works.

To combat plastic waste and air pollution with data-driven solutions, UNDP India held a stakeholder engagement in New Delhi. The event focused on collaborative, community-led actions and highlighted citizen science, AI-based policy tools, and hyperlocal monitoring. To attain cleaner air and robust environmental governance in India, experts advocated for long-term, integrated approaches.

On April 25, 2025, Development Alternatives and the Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) in Simrawadi, Jhansi inaugurated the first-ever Udyamita Suvidha Kendra - a pioneering Entrepreneurship Facilitation Centre (EFC) that represents a new paradigm in locally embedded, systems-led enterprise support.

A high-level meeting led by Hon. Minister Mr Priyank Kharge was held at Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru, to explore low-carbon solutions for the cement industry. In coordination with Swissnex, Dr Debojyoti Basu Roy from TARA presented Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) as a low-carbon, low-cost cement alternative.

Empowering youth through strategic employment and industry partnerships