Pollinate Group is improving the lives of neglected communities in informal settlements and rural villages across India and Nepal, by creating access to sustainable everyday household products and empowering local entrepreneurs. The social enterprise joined Business Call to Action (BCtA) in September 2018 with a pledge to reach an additional 500,000 people amongst India’s and Nepal’s poorest by employing an extra 400 female salespeople, called Suryamukhis, to sell 100,000 sustainable solar lamps, clean cookstoves and water filters by 2020.

Across India and Nepal 256 million people still live in extreme poverty, on less than US$1.90 a day. Families are trapped in intergenerational poverty cycles. This is compounded by a lack of opportunities for women who can be a driving force for change in their family and community. 

Pollinate Group saw both a need and a business niche in this harsh reality. Formed from a merger of two organizations in 2018 (Pollinate Energy in India and Empower Generation in Nepal) the company serves communities in six Indian cities and three districts across south and west Nepal.

Crucial to the organization’s success are the Suryamukhis, women entrepreneurs trained and supported to distribute products that improve health, save time and save money for their peers. These women increase their confidence, financial independence and become role models in their communities.
The company has reached more than 650,000 people through their last mile, women-led distribution network. Customers have saved more than $23 million replacing kerosene, as well as 88,100 tonnes of CO2.

As part of its BCtA pledge and commitment to gender equality, more than half of the positions created by 2020 will be filled by women.

About Pollinate Group: Pollinate Group is a multi-award winning social business headquartered in Bangalore, India. With a global team based in India, Nepal, Australia and North America, it currently operates in six cities across India and two districts in rural Nepal. Pollinate Energy delivers impact by selling its sustainable products that improve the lives of people living in urban slums and rural communities.