Ekonnect Knowledge Foundation was established by Dr Prasad Modak in 2012 as a section 8 not-for-profit company with a mission to build a more responsible and sustainable world. Ekonnect Knowledge Foundation (EKF) is a Section 25 Non-Profit Company which aims to promote and to mainstream sustainability in governance, business and communities. EKF achieves these objectives by raising awareness, building capacities, establishing knowledge networks, sponsoring research, catalyzing innovation, facilitating investments and influencing plans and policies. EKF's principal stakeholders are students, social entrepreneurs, environmental NGOs, academic and research institutions, business organizations and the government. EKF uses various platforms, modern tools, knowledge products and services to support these principal stakeholders. To raise awareness and establish knowledge networks, EKF uses platforms such as seminars, roundtables, clinics, workshops, field excursions and exhibitions. For capacity building, EKF conducts blended training programmes and finishing schools in partnership with academic institutions. EKF offers a unique Environmental Internship Programme (EIP) for the interest of students, young professionals, academic and business organizations. EIP is customized and managed professionally with students receiving career guidance. Towards this end EKF provides technical assistance, guidance on business models and facilitate investments. The idea is to create more opportunities for green investments and offer green jobs. In addition, EKF works with various social impact investors as program manager and as independent auditor. These awards are bestowed to recognize talent, promote innovation and laud accomplishment. EKF provides various services in the sustainability arena. These services include building and managing community based projects, helping organizations to mainstream and report on sustainability and conducting peer reviews and impact assessment. For academic and research institutions, EKF offers services like course design and conduct, training of trainers establishment of research partnerships and research administration. E-learning solutions will be one of EKF's core areas. EKF develops and partners with like minded institutions to develop projects and programs that will demonstrate and promote sustainability. For the purposes of funding EKF will approach various corporate, government bodies and philanthropic funds. Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) is an important strategy towards sustainable development. Recognizing importance of SCP, EKF has partnered with International Green Purchasing Network (IGPN) in Tokyo, Japan to operate Green Purchasing Network of India (GPNI). GPNI is a knowledge network of diverse stakeholders representing product designers, manufacturers, packaging industry, retailers and advertisers, consumers, waste recyclers and waste treatment and disposal specialists. Under GPNI, EKF will open up subscription and peering services. By operating GPNI, EKF hopes to meet its agenda on promoting and mainstreaming sustainability.
