Friends Union for Energising Lives (FUEL), a not-for-profit working in education and skilling, was listed on the Social Stock Exchange at the NSE on March 30. The listing was held with a bell-ringing ceremony, highlighting the next phase of its work with underserved youth.
The move is aimed at expanding access to education, digital skills, and clearer career pathways for students from government schools and rural communities, especially young women who often face additional barriers. FUEL also shared a major announcement at the ceremony that the institute has been recognised as the FUEL Skilltech and Entrepreneurship University by the Maharashtra state government. The proposed university is intended to be a future-ready, industry-integrated establishment that combines innovation, employability, and academic achievement.
Alongside the listing, FUEL also announced its Social Stock Exchange issue, which will support scholarships for underserved girls and first-generation learners, while bringing more transparency and accountability into how social funding is deployed.
With the support of Dr. Yusuf Hamied, Chairman of Cipla, the School of Science has been established. FUEL is now inviting partnerships to set up other schools, including Management, Future Skills, Commerce & Humanities, Technology, and Social Impact.
The event was attended by Chandrakant Patil, the Minister for Higher & Technical Education, Govt of Maharashtra and Mangal Prabhat Lodha, the Minister for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, along with stakeholders, corporate leaders and partners. The ceremony also featured the recognition of CSR partners and stakeholders, along with a powerful address by a FUEL alumna, highlighting the transformative impact of education and skill development.
Speaking on this occasion, Chandrakant Dada Patil, said, “The listing of FUEL on the Social Stock Exchange is a step towards strengthening access to education and higher learning opportunities for underserved youth. It can help enable students, particularly those from rural and government school backgrounds, to pursue their aspirations with appropriate support.
“The Social Stock Exchange provides a structured pathway to align capital with measurable social outcomes. Through this initiative, we aim to support students who face financial barriers to education,” said Dr. Ketan Deshpande, Founder and Chairman, FUEL
“Even before receiving university status, the institution has reached a large number of young people through support from society and has contributed significantly to enhancing employability and self-employment opportunities. Such initiatives are essential for Maharashtra’s growth, and the government is committed to supporting institutions that focus on practical, skill-based education,” added Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Skills Minister.
