What Sikshana Foundation does

Sikshana Foundation is an Indian non-profit charitable trust (a unit of Sivasri Charitable Trust, registered under Sections 12A, 80G, CSR-1, and FCRA) operating since 1998 from Bengaluru, focused on improving learning outcomes in rural and semi-urban government schools. Its program portfolio spans motivational interventions (Prerana, adopted by the Government of Karnataka across all 48,000+ government schools), foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN), technology-integrated project-based learning (STEP), a girl-child empowerment track including Women in Engineering, and a community-level digital inclusion program (Grama Digi Vikasana operating in 3,075+ Gram Panchayats and replicated into 200+ mandal libraries in Andhra Pradesh). Programs are delivered across Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu and are funded primarily through corporate CSR partnerships, multi-year state-government MoUs, and individual donations.

Sikshana has built a proprietary technology stack tailored to low-connectivity rural deployment: the Sikshanapedia App (Android and web, offline-first content with a custom Image-Audio format that compresses resources by ~90% versus MP4), the STEP desktop PBL platform running on a local webserver, an open-source OMR-based assessment stack built on SDAPS that assessed ~55 lakh students across Karnataka in 2019-2020, and a family of program-management apps (NiB-KA/MyShaala for the Education Department, MyGP for RDPR, Parent App, Prerana Mitra). In 2024 the foundation added an AI product line — Shiksha Copilot (a generative-AI teacher assistant co-developed with Microsoft Research India), Spoken English with AI, Bhasha Mitra for bilingual scaffolding, and an AI for Upskilling program for rural youth — targeting 1,000+ government teachers under Microsoft India CSR backing.

Commercially, Sikshana operates as a charitable foundation: end-beneficiaries (government schools, students, Gram Panchayats) receive services at no charge, while costs are borne by ~15 named corporate CSR partners (including Dell, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Hitachi Energy, ABB, Brillio, ITC Infotech, TE Connectivity, Amadeus, CGI, Applied Materials, Allstate, Target, Praj Foundation), formal MoUs with state education and rural development departments, and an online individual-donor portal. Annual revenue is not publicly disclosed, and the organization is structured under the Sivasri Charitable Trust with no external PE/VC ownership.

Name

Sikshana Foundation

Legal name

Sikshana Foundation a unit of Sivasri Charitable Trust

Website

https://sikshana.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Indian non-profit foundation operating across five states to improve learning outcomes in rural government schools through motivational programs (Prerana), foundational literacy, technology integration, digital community centers, and AI-enabled teacher and student tools, funded primarily by corporate CSR partnerships and state government MoUs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Education Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Literacy Foundations (Phonics, Reading Fluency, Comprehension) Platforms (EDAFAOAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Growth Mindset, Motivation & Goal-Setting Programs (EDAMAIAE), Learning Strategy, Instructional Design & Content Development (BPACANAG), Study Habits & Homework Systems Workshops (EDAMAIAL)

Keywords

• Public school programs
• Foundational literacy numeracy
• Educational technology solutions
• Corporate social responsibility
• Nonprofit education initiatives

Headquarters

HQ city

Bangalore

HQ country

India

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. CSR Funding / Corporate Donations: Sikshana Foundation operates as a charitable trust (unit of Sivasri Charitable Trust) registered under 12A, 80G, and CSR provisions. The primary revenue model is CSR funding from corporations working with the foundation to fulfill their corporate social responsibility mandates under the Companies Act 2013, Schedule VII. Corporate partners fund specific programs, digital infrastructure, and capacity building initiatives.
2. Individual Donations: General donations are accepted through the organization's website with a payment processing system. Donors can contribute general amounts with optional PAN number for tax purposes.
3. Government Partnerships: Sikshana works with state governments (Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana) through MoUs for program implementation. Government departments provide logistics support, infrastructure, and institutional backing while Sikshana provides technical solutions and program management.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Sikshana Foundation designs and implements educational programs and proprietary technology tools for government schools and rural Gram Panchayat communities across India. Its offerings span motivational programs (Prerana), foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN), technology-integrated learning (STEP), girl child empowerment, and community digital transformation (Grama Digi Vikasana), delivered through state government MoUs and CSR-funded corporate partnerships.

Product overview

Sikshana Foundation offers a comprehensive educational technology ecosystem spanning school programs, community initiatives, and AI-powered learning solutions. The core offerings include the Prerana motivational program (implemented in 48,000+ Karnataka government schools), FLN (Foundational Literacy and Numeracy) intervention, and STEP technology integration program. The technology portfolio centers on Sikshanapedia App for offline learning, NiB-KA/MyShaala for program management, and various monitoring apps (MyGP, Parent App, Prerana Mitra). AI initiatives include Shiksha Copilot (teacher assistant), Spoken English with AI, Bhasha Mitra (bilingual AI support), and AI for Upskilling. Community programs include Grama Digi Vikasana transforming 3,075+ Gram Panchayat libraries into digital centers. Educational inputs include CLAP (Customised Learning Achievement Path), PBL (Project Based Learning), and FLN workbooks in multiple languages.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Quantifiable outcome

• Prerana program implemented in 50,000+ schools across 6 states, adopted by Government of Karnataka in all 48,000 government schools
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability7 records

Feature11 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• QualcommcoreTechnology or Integration · 16 February 2025Qualcomm sponsored AI Language Lab inauguration at GHPS Itna school, Sarguru, with Sr. VP Engineering Mr. Srini Maddali and senior colleagues attending. Qualcomm supports Shiksha Copilot through Microsoft India CSR as well.
• MomentiveminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 December 2024Momentive supported STREAM Lab inauguration at GHS Indalvadi, Anekal. Momentive representative Mr. Vasanth Bhat attended the inauguration along with BEO and Sikshana Director of Partnerships.
• ITC InfotechcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 November 2024Comprehensive Education Program at KPS Dodda Banasawadi School including FLN, computer lab, STREAM lab, infirmary, library and sports room. Senior Vice President of ITC participated in launch event.
• RSA (Raksha Shakti), ChamarajanagarminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 October 2024RSA organization supports STEM and FLN Program launch at Hannur, Chamarajanagar. Representatives including Director of Finance and CS attended the launch event with District Commissioner Shilpa Nag.
• Microsoft Research IndiacoreTechnology or Integration · 18 October 2024Research collaboration for Shiksha Copilot AI-powered digital assistant for educators. Microsoft India CSR backing the initiative targeting 1,000 government school teachers across Karnataka. Shiksha Copilot was launched by Karnataka's Minister of School Education at Vidhana Soudha on October 18, 2024.
• Qualcomm (via Aqriti Spoken English Program)coreTechnology or Integration · 23 August 2024Qualcomm Cares CSR funding for Aqriti Spoken English, Aqriti STEM Awareness & FLN, and STREAM Labs. Qualcomm team showcased Sikshana initiatives as part of Qualcomm's 40th anniversary celebrations. Multiple programs including AI Language Lab at GHPS Itna school inaugurated with Qualcomm senior VP Engineering.
• TE ConnectivityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 August 2024TE supports STEM and FLN Program launch at GHPS Koluru, Kengeri. Deputy Manager CSR & Communication and Marketing Operations Manager from TE were present at the launch.
• BrilliocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 August 2024Brillio supports Sikshana FLN & STEM Awareness Program across 100 schools (50 in Kanakapura + 50 in Hoskote), reaching 6,899 students. Programs include FLN modules for Math and language, STEM activity books, and teacher training. Brillio volunteers participate in training sessions and program events. Annual Partners Meet recognition awarded in October 2025.
• ANSSIRD (Panchayat Raj), MysorecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 July 2024MoU signed for digital literacy and capacity building training programs for 5,000 librarians across Karnataka. Director of ANSSIRD and District Commissioner of Chamrajnagar participated in signing ceremony with Sikshana CEO.
• ABB IndiaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 July 2024ABB supports STEM Awareness Program launch at GMPS Chikka Gollarahatti, Peenya, Bangalore. ABB India Lead Business Manager and Assistant VP Environment and Sustainability Affairs attended the launch.
• Praj FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 March 2024Praj Foundation co-hosted 'Umang' FLN quiz competition at block level in Pune district. Vice President of Praj Foundation attended the event and appreciated program efforts. Top schools received Annual Awards.
• ASHA for EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 March 2024Collaborative partnership for Sikshana Early Education (SEE) Program at Shivanahalli Grama Panchayat, supporting 10 Anganwadi centres and 200+ children aged 3-6 years. Focus on early childhood development through adequate support and training for Anganwadi workers.
• Dell Mosaic ERGminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 January 2024Dell Mosaic ERG members conducted Cultural Quotient Improvement Program connecting BBMP School students in Bangalore with Japanese students from Oodaira Elementary School, Nihonmatsu City, Japan. 37 students from Grade 7 connected with 20 Grade 6 students.
• Dell TechnologiescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 January 2024Dell supported Annual Sports Olympiad 2024 with 731 students from government schools across Bangalore rural, Ramanagara, Kanakapura, and Bangalore zones. 400 Dell volunteers provided assistance at the event.
• LTIMindtreeminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 January 2024LTIMindtree collaborated with Sikshana and Department of Education for FLN quiz competitions at cluster, block, and district levels in Chamarajanagar district, covering 382 government schools.
• Amadeus Software Labs Pvt LtdcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 December 2023Amadeus supports 25 girls within WiE program in 2023, expanding from initial 80-girl cohort. Also supported GDV launch at Hundipura Gram Panchayat with volunteers participating. Consistent supporter of Sikshana programs including FLN.
• TargetminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 November 2023Target volunteers accompanied 50 students from GHPS S Gollahalli, Chikkaballapur to Visvesvaraya Museum for experiential learning exposure. Volunteers from Target support student educational tours.
• Rural Development & Panchayat Raj (RDPR) Department, KarnatakacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership for Gram Panchayat Library Reading Program during COVID, evolving into Grama Digi Vikasana covering 3,075+ Digital Transformation Centers. RDPR provides logistics, librarians, and infrastructure; Sikshana provides digital devices, content, monitoring software, and coordination.
• CGIminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCGI supports STEM and FLN Program inauguration at GMPS Chikka Gollarahatti. CGI representatives attended Science Day event inauguration in respective taluks. CGI office visits organized for National Girl Child Day with 40 girl students.
• Dell TechnologiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDell supports Annual Sports Olympiad 2024 with 731 students from government schools, 400 Dell volunteers assisting. Dell sponsors laptops for Women in Engineering program and GDV Digital Transformation Centers. Dell Technologies recognized as partner for GDV Excellence in Rural Infrastructure award.
• United Way of Hyderabad and HSBCminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for renewable energy project installing solar power infrastructure in 35 government schools and 6 health centres in Bangalore, generating 159KW and 30KW respectively.
• Kemin IndustriesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKemin supports FLN Quiz Competition in Gummidipoondi block, Tamil Nadu, with participation from 35 schools and 400+ students. Representatives from Kemin participated in the competition, reinforcing support for the initiative.
• Vibha FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVibha Foundation supports FLN Quiz Competition in Gummidipoondi block, Tamil Nadu. Foundation Director Scotlin was present at the final round of the competition.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Language and Learning Foundation: India-focused nonprofit working on foundational literacy, multilingual education, and teacher capacity building in government schools. Strong overlap with Sikshana's FLN and teacher training work.
• Pratham Education Foundation: One of India's largest education nonprofits, focused on improving learning outcomes for underprivileged children through programs like Read India and ASER. Directly comparable in mission (rural K-12 literacy/numeracy), scale, and CSR/government partnership model.
• Akshara Foundation: Bangalore-based education nonprofit focused on foundational literacy and numeracy for government school children. Comparable in Karnataka roots, government school partnerships, and FLN program design.
• Educational Initiatives (Mindspark/ASSET): Edtech company offering adaptive learning (Mindspark), assessments (ASSET), and teacher training; significant work with Indian government schools. Comparable in assessment technology, FLN, and AI-driven personalization.
• Mahindra Foundation (Project Nanhi Kali): Corporate-affiliated nonprofit supporting girls' education in underprivileged government schools across India. Directly comparable in CSR-funded girl child empowerment and rural school programs.
• Bharti Foundation: Corporate foundation running Satya Bharti Schools and quality support programs in rural government schools. Comparable in CSR-funded rural K-12 interventions and government school adoption model.
• Kaivalya Education Foundation: Pune-based nonprofit focused on leadership development in government school education, partnering with state governments. Comparable in Maharashtra government school work and education leadership capacity building.

Broad incumbents

• Tata Trusts (Education Portfolio): India's largest philanthropic foundation with deep investments in education, FLN, and government school transformation. Comparable in scale of CSR/philanthropic funding and education portfolio focus.
• Reliance Foundation: India's largest corporate foundation, running large-scale education, rural transformation, and digital literacy programs. Comparable in CSR-funded scale, government engagement, and rural impact across multiple Indian states.

Emerging players

• CSRBOX (Bhangarwala Foundation): India's leading CSR intelligence and impact platform connecting corporates with high-impact education nonprofits. Comparable as a CSR ecosystem participant and enabler for organizations like Sikshana.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/posts/sikshana-foundation_india-shikshacopilot-csr-activity-7253010750523244544-Y96G
• Xx.com/sikshana

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Sikshana Foundation