How Vi Foundation Is Building a More Inclusive and Digitally Empowered India

At Vi, we have always believed that technology becomes truly powerful when it transforms lives. This belief is at the heart of the Vi Foundation, our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, which is committed to creating a brighter, more inclusive, and digitally enabled India.

For us, sustainable change happens when intention meets innovation. Across the country, we are working with government bodies, policymakers, non-profits, educational institutions, and grassroots organisations to ensure that opportunity is not limited by geography, income, or background. It is our firm belief that real progress is inclusive progress, and the Vi Foundation is committed to making that progress possible.

SmartAgri: Transforming farming through intelligent innovation

Agriculture is the backbone of India, and our SmartAgri project brings the power of IoT directly to farmers’ fields. By using smart sensors and data-driven insights, farmers receive real-time information on weather conditions, soil health, moisture levels, and pest activity, all in regional languages.

Today, SmartAgri is active across 46 districts in 12 states, covering 18 lakh hectares and impacting over 8.9 lakh farmers. The results have been truly inspiring; farmers have seen a 70% increase in income, a 27% rise in yield, and a 23% reduction in input costs. By empowering them with actionable insights, we are helping them farm smarter, reduce risk, and achieve long-term sustainability.

Gurushala: A thriving learning community for teachers and students

Our Gurushala initiative is a nationwide digital learning ecosystem designed to support educators and students. With over 1,15,000 pieces of learning content across 10 Indian languages, the platform serves more than 10 lakh teachers and learners.
From lesson plans and teaching videos to quizzes and mock tests, Gurushala ensures that educators have everything they need to improve their teaching methods. With regular networking and professional development opportunities, teachers can connect, collaborate, and grow, ultimately building stronger classrooms for the next generation.

E-Vidya for Brighter Futures: Reimagining Model Schools

In partnership with Vodafone Intelligent Solutions (VOIS), our E-Vidya for Brighter Futures programme uplifts government and government-aided schools by strengthening infrastructure and creating joyful, inclusive learning spaces.

Through smart classrooms, STEM-focused learning, Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN), IT skill development, ECCE interventions, and more, this programme directly supports over 1,08,000 students and community members each year. We also train teachers to adopt new-age teaching methods aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, ensuring holistic and future-ready learning environments.

Robotics Labs: Inspiring tomorrow’s innovators

To nurture curiosity and innovation among underserved students, we established Robotics Labs in partnership with Ericsson India. These labs, spread across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Delhi, give young learners hands-on exposure to robotics, 3D printing, electronics, and coding.

More than 3,600 students, almost half of them girls, now have access to modern STEM learning tools that encourage creativity and critical thinking. With this initiative, we are igniting early interest in technology and opening pathways to exciting future careers.

Learning with Vodafone Idea: India’s leading scholarship platform

To ensure financial constraints never stand in the way of learning, our scholarship discovery platform connects thousands of students to relevant opportunities. With an intuitive interface and intelligent matching tools, students can explore scholarships with ease. The platform has helped us award Vi Scholarships to more than 4,500 deserving students and teachers, supporting them in pursuing academic excellence and professional growth.

IoT Centre of Excellence: Preparing women for a digital future

In partnership with the Telecom Sector Skill Council, we set up the IoT Centre of Excellence at IGDTUW, Delhi, to bridge industry skill gaps. With specialised training in Smart Lighting, Smart Agriculture, Smart Health Monitoring, and more, this centre has trained over 600 women students, equipping them with in-demand tech skills and preparing them for future opportunities.

Skill for Life: Enabling livelihoods with purpose

Our Skill for Life programme, supported by VOIS, empowers youth through skill-based training and livelihood support. Operational in Pune, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru, it has trained more than 3,600 individuals with a placement success rate of over 70%. The programme also includes dedicated skilling for members of the transgender community, offering pathways to employment, dignity, and social inclusion. This initiative truly reflects our commitment to equity and long-term empowerment.

VOIS for Tech: Shaping the digital workforce of tomorrow

The VOIS for Tech University Engagement Programme equips engineering students with industry-ready skills through IR 4.0 courses, hackathons, workshops, and masterclasses. With a strong digital learning platform and real-world exposure, the programme has empowered over 80,000 students and 500 faculty members from more than 1,900 institutions. By strengthening technical capability and innovation, we are preparing a workforce that can contribute confidently to India’s digital economy.

Jaadu Ginni Ka: Financial literacy for a confident India

Since 2017, Jaadu Ginni Ka has been one of India’s largest financial literacy initiatives, and has impacted over two crore people, more than half of them women. Through community workshops, digital tools, and mobile vans, participants learn about budgeting, savings, digital transactions, and financial planning.

Integrated with Vi CyberShield, the programme also equips people with essential cybersecurity knowledge to avoid fraud and stay safe in the digital world. In 2024, Jaadu Ginni Ka was honoured with the Mahatma Award for CSR Excellence, reinforcing its role in reducing inequity across India.

Planet & Wellbeing: Acting for climate and communities

Urban sustainability is a growing need, and our Planet & Wellbeing project addresses it through climate education, tree plantation, digital tools, and community engagement. With 52,000 saplings planted, AR/VR learning tools, and the VOIS Planet Knowledge portal, we’re building awareness and encouraging green practices in cities nationwide.

Connecting for Good: Technology with a social purpose

Through grants, digital solutions, and training support, our Connecting for Good initiative empowers NGOs and community organisations to amplify their impact. Key solutions include:

• DonateBook- Connecting book donors with schools and NGOs.
• My Ambar & My Ambar Suraksha Chakra- Digital safety resources for women and informal workers.
• DigiSakshar- A digital literacy app enabling confident tech adoption.
• Girl Rising- An engaging mobile game driving conversations on gender equality.

Each solution strengthens communities by combining technology with purpose.

Building a future where everyone is connected and empowered

At Vi Foundation, we believe that when technology serves humanity, the possibilities for progress are endless. Together with our partners, we will continue building equitable opportunities, fostering innovation, and creating a more connected and empowered India, one community at a time.