Motwani Jadeja Foundation

What Motwani Jadeja Foundation does

Motwani Jadeja Foundation (MJF) is a private, founder-controlled not-for-profit family foundation established by Silicon Valley venture capitalist Asha Jadeja in memory of her late husband Rajeev Motwani — a Stanford computer science professor who was an early advisor to Google and PayPal, advisor to Sequoia Capital, and 2001 Gödel Prize recipient. The foundation's core products are not commercial software or SaaS but a portfolio of fellowship programs (RC Fellows, MJF Fellows, Motwani Jadeja Impact Fellowship, RC Scholars, MJHC Fellows), strategic bilateral initiatives (DRISHTI India-Israel Innovation Corridor, US-India Ambassadors Program, Atlantic Council delegation, India Tech Park at CES), education and innovation infrastructure (School in the Cloud with Self-Organized Learning Environments, FabLab CEPT at CEPT University, Makerfest), research/policy platforms (MITLI think tank, Exponential India), arts programming (MJF Arts / Motwani Jadeja Art Prize at India Art Fair), and academic endowments (most notably the US$5 million Motwani Jadeja Institute for American Studies at O.P. Jindal Global University).

Its underlying technology consists of grassroots and educational platforms (SOLEs-based learning environments, FabLab digital fabrication maker spaces, drone-and-robotics startup support within DRISHTI) rather than proprietary software. The foundation does not sell products or services, does not publish pricing, and discloses no revenue; its revenue mechanics are philanthropic grants, personal endowment contributions from the founder's angel-investment returns, and co-funding with institutional partners such as TiE, Dasra, T-Hub, Atlantic Council, and CNAS. Beneficiary segments are horizontal and diverse — young entrepreneurs in developing markets, women in technology, Indic historians, Hindu chaplaincy candidates, Indian artists, and Israeli dual-use tech startups — with no concentration in a single customer or vertical.

Name

Motwani Jadeja Foundation

Legal name

Motwani Jadeja Foundation

Website

https://mjf.world

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Motwani Jadeja Foundation is a U.S.-based private family foundation founded by Asha Jadeja that runs fellowship programs, bilateral innovation initiatives (US-India, India-Israel), education platforms, and arts and policy programming to empower entrepreneurs and strengthen US-India ties.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Philanthropic Foundation Services

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Family Offices & Philanthropic Advisors (Grantmaking) (BPAGAKAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

International Grantmaking & Development Foundations (BPAGAKAH), Arts, Culture & Humanities Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAJ), Scholarship & Fellowship Foundations and Trusts (EDADAHAC), Foundation/NGO & Philanthropic Scholarships (EDAIAOAH)

Keywords

• Philanthropic foundation
• Fellowship programs
• Social impact investing
• Innovation ecosystem
• Strategic partnerships

Headquarters

HQ city

Lewes

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Foundation Grants and Endowments: The Motwani Jadeja Family Foundation operates as a philanthropic organization funded by founder Asha Jadeja's personal wealth and angel investment returns. The foundation makes grants, endowments, and programmatic investments to support entrepreneurs, fellows, artists, and educational institutions.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Motwani Jadeja Foundation operates as a philanthropic family foundation that empowers young entrepreneurs, scholars, and artists through fellowship programs, direct investments, and strategic partnerships. Its core activities include entrepreneur fellowship programs (MJF Fellows, RC Fellows), impact fellowships (Motwani Jadeja Impact Fellowship), scholar programs (RC Scholars), chaplaincy training (MJHC Fellows), innovation initiatives (DRISHTI/India-Israel Innovation Corridor, India Tech Park at CES, Makerfest), education platforms (School in the Cloud, FabLab CEPT), and policy think tanks (MITLI). The foundation also funds academic institutions such as the Motwani Jadeja Institute for American Studies at O.P. Jindal Global University through endowments.

Product overview

Motwani Jadeja Foundation is a philanthropic organization founded by Asha Jadeja that operates as a portfolio of fellowship programs, innovation initiatives, and strategic partnerships rather than a unified product platform. The core offerings include: MJF Fellows and RC Fellows (entrepreneurship fellowships linking developing world innovators to Silicon Valley), Motwani Jadeja Impact Fellowship (social impact fellowship with Dasra during UNGA), RC Scholars (history decolonization program), MJHC Fellows (Hindu chaplaincy training), and MJF Arts (artist support). Strategic initiatives span: DRISHTI/India-Israel Innovation Corridor (tech collaboration in defense/AI), India Tech Park at CES (startup showcase), Makerfest (maker movement), FabLab CEPT (digital fabrication), School in the Cloud (education technology), MITLI (policy think tank), and Exponential India (tech policy platform). The foundation also funds academic institutions including the Motwani Jadeja Institute for American Studies at JGU. The portfolio is held together by Asha Jadeja's venture investing activities and angel investment network spanning 200+ technology startups.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MITLI (Motwani Institute for Thought Leadership in Innovation): A think tank and advocacy platform designed to impact government policies in India and the US to facilitate entrepreneurial ecosystems, support research in exponential technology, and foster women in entrepreneurship.
• Motwani Jadeja Impact Fellowship
• RC Fellows (Rajeev Circle Fellowship)
• RC Scholars (Rajeev Circle Scholars)
• MJHC (Motwani Jadeja Hindu Chaplaincy)
• DRISHTI

Products and services

• DRISHTI (Dual-Use Robust India-Israel High Tech Innovation) India-Israel Innovation Corridor flagship program that facilitates development of cutting-edge solutions in defense and civilian sectors, connecting Israeli startups with India's market through T-Hub, DDR&D Israel Ministry of Defence, and MJF partnership.
• RC Fellows (Rajeev Circle Fellowship) Fellowship program that scales entrepreneurship vision by bringing out the best in entrepreneurs from the developing world, linking them to Silicon Valley with education, mentorship and support. Over 150 fellows have participated.
• MJF Fellows Outcome-linked initiative triggering disruptive ideas focused on solving problems in developing world communities. Celebrates entrepreneurs committed to creating unique models, driving systems change, and disrupting the status quo.
• Motwani Jadeja Impact Fellowship Unique initiative designed in partnership with Dasra enabling leaders to showcase work at global platforms. Provides week-long immersive experience in New York during UNGA, connecting with global networks, mentorship, and resources to scale impact.
• RC Scholars Supports Indian historians by decolonising Indian history through publishing high-quality books on Indian history. Awards fellowships to eligible scholars to shape Indian historiography with an original Indic outlook.
• MJHC Fellows (Motwani Jadeja Hindu Chaplaincy) Unique program serving society through spiritual care enriched with Hindu tradition practices. Fellows train to serve at universities, hospitals, and inter-religious environments.
• India Tech Park at CES Initiative showcasing innovation from India at global stage of CES (Consumer Electronics Show). Hosts and partially sponsors Indian startups to exhibit at Eureka Park, providing global exposure and startup ecosystem access.
• Makerfest Grassroots innovation celebration inspired by California's Maker Faire and DIY culture, bringing makers and tinkerers together through exhibitions, demonstrations, and workshops. Organized in multiple cities across India since 2014.
• School in the Cloud Self-organized learning environments (SOLEs) providing access to education through technology. India's first self-supported School in the Cloud set up in Ahmedabad, grown to over 60 locally managed facilities within South Asia.
• FabLab CEPT State-of-the-art digital fabrication maker space established in 2014 at CEPT University in Ahmedabad to promote curiosity, learning, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit within wider communities.
• MITLI (Motwani Institute for Thought Leadership in Innovation) Dynamic think tank and advocacy platform designed to impact government policies in India and the US, facilitate entrepreneurial ecosystems, support research in exponential technology, and foster women in entrepreneurship and business.
• MJF Arts Arts program granting support to Indian artists working with charitable organizations, educational institutions, and museums. Promotes Indian cultural perspectives through artistic expression at intersections of art and technology.
• Motwani Jadeja Institute for American Studies US$5 million endowment established at O.P. Jindal Global University to advance US-India relationship through education, innovation, and public diplomacy.
• Exponential India Digital platform enabling urgent and critical conversations among key stakeholders for technology-led economic growth in India.
• US-India Ambassadors Program Program organized in partnership with TiE to strengthen US-India business connections by bringing together Indian entrepreneurs and leaders.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 150 RC Fellows have been part of the fellowship program
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship, major and minor.

• T-HubcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 December 2024T-Hub, India's leading startup incubator, is a key partner in the DRISHTI India-Israel Innovation Corridor program. The program is designed to foster innovation and strategic partnerships between Israel and India in defense and dual-use technologies.
• Directorate of Defence Research & Development (DDR&D), Israel Ministry of DefencecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 December 2024DDR&D is a key partner in the DRISHTI program, which facilitates Israeli startups' access to India's defense and high-tech sectors through tailored mentorship and market entry support.
• Hindu Spiritual Care Institute (HSCI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 May 2024MJF supports HSCI in launching the first seven interreligious Hindu Chaplains, who will serve at universities, hospitals, and inter-religious environments as ambassadors of spiritual wellness and community service.
• Graduate Theological Union (GTU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 May 2024GTU collaborates with MJF and HSCI on the Hindu Chaplaincy program, educating innovative leaders for spiritual care roles in universities, religious organizations, and non-profit sectors.
• TiEcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024MJF partnered with TiE to organize the US-India Ambassadors Program in 2024, fostering entrepreneurship and business connections between India and the US.
• Prof. Sugata MitracoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014MJF established India's first School in the Cloud in Ahmedabad with help from Prof. Sugata Mitra, the Nobel Prize-winning educator behind the Self-Organized Learning Environments (SOLEs) concept.
• CEPT UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014MJF established FabLab CEPT at the Architecture and Design campus of CEPT University in Ahmedabad as a world-class maker space for technological experimentation and innovation.
• DasracoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDasra collaborates with MJF on the Motwani Jadeja Impact Fellowship, leveraging its network of over 1,000 organizations to select diverse impact leaders for the program aligned with UNGA week in New York.
• O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMJF established the Motwani Jadeja Institute for American Studies at JGU through a US$5 million endowment, marking a significant step in advancing US-India relations through education, innovation, and public diplomacy.
• Atlantic CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMJF and Atlantic Council formed an alliance to propel India's global agenda forward through the Motwani Atlantic Council Delegation to India program.
• CNAS (Center for a New American Security)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMJF partnered with CNAS to strengthen the US-India strategic partnership through policy research and engagement initiatives.
• UC San DiegomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMJF made a major gift to UC San Diego to boost US-India ties through academic and research collaborations.
• India Art FaircoreGTM or Marketing PartnerIndia Art Fair partnered with MJF to launch the Motwani Jadeja Art Prize, described as the largest artist prize in South Asia, supporting innovative Indian artists.
• Stanford University Cantor Art MuseumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMJF's arts program has close ties with Stanford's Cantor Art Museum, fostering worldwide appreciation for Indian art and surfacing young Indian artists into the global arena.
• Stanford UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStanford University is listed as a nonprofit partner, reflecting the foundational connection to Rajeev Motwani's academic legacy and ongoing programs with the university.
• TED / TED FellowscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTED and TED Fellows are nonprofit partners, with School in the Cloud connected to the TED Prize and Prof. Sugata Mitra's TED wish.
• TiE WomencoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMJF supports TiE Women, a flagship initiative transforming the entrepreneurial landscape for women worldwide, enabling global impact through mentorship and investment connections.
• IIT KanpurcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIIT Kanpur is listed as a collaborative partner, reflecting connections to Rajeev Motwani's alma mater and ongoing technology and innovation initiatives.
• Jaipur Literature FestivalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a collaborative partner for cultural and literary engagement programs.
• Kochi-Muziris BiennaleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerListed as a collaborative partner for arts and cultural programming.
• PrathamminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a nonprofit partner supporting education and social impact in India.
• AshokaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a nonprofit partner supporting social entrepreneurs and changemakers.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Acumen: Acumen is a global impact investor and fellowship provider for social entrepreneurs focused on poverty solutions. Comparable to MJF through its dual model of impact investing and fellowship programs supporting entrepreneurs in developing markets, including India.
• Ashoka: Ashoka is a global network of leading social entrepreneurs ('Ashoka Fellows') offering stipends, network access and convening. Comparable to MJF through its fellowship-based model identifying and supporting systems-change entrepreneurs across South Asia and globally.
• Skoll Foundation: Skoll Foundation supports social entrepreneurs through the Skoll Award and large-scale grants, with significant investments in India. Comparable to MJF in combining fellowships, venture/grant capital, and ecosystem convening around social entrepreneurship.
• Echoing Green: Echoing Green runs two-year fellowships for emerging social entrepreneurs globally with seed funding and network access. Highly comparable to MJF Fellows and RC Fellows in structure, scale and target profile of fellows.
• Omidyar Network: Omidyar Network is a philanthropic investment firm founded by eBay's Pierre Omidyar, making impact investments and grants globally including India. Comparable through its founder-led model combining venture capital, grants and policy advocacy for social change.
• Dasra: Dasra is India's leading strategic philanthropy foundation, accelerating social impact through philanthropic advisory, fellowships and field-building. Comparable as both an MJF partner on the Impact Fellowship and a peer operating in India-focused social entrepreneurship and philanthropy.
• Deshpande Foundation: Deshpande Foundation supports entrepreneurship and innovation in India and the US through sandbox incubators, fellowships and grants. Comparable to MJF in mission scope (entrepreneurship, India-US corridor) and program mix (fellowships, maker/innovation labs).
• Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation: DRK Foundation selects early-stage social entrepreneurs globally for a three-year fellowship including funding and capacity building. Comparable to MJF Fellows in fellowship model, duration and target entrepreneur profile.
• Mulago Foundation: Mulago Foundation invests in and supports portfolio of high-impact organizations tackling basic needs, primarily in Africa and Asia. Comparable to MJF through portfolio-style grantmaking and focus on scalable solutions in developing markets.

Emerging players

• Lemelson Foundation: Lemelson Foundation supports invention and innovation ecosystems, including through MIT-related programs and India-focused invention awards. Comparable to MJF on the innovation/tech-ecosystem dimension (FabLab, DRISHTI) though narrower on social entrepreneurship.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/motwani_jadeja

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Motwani Jadeja Foundation