A New Chapter in Our Ecosystem: Winter School on Social Entrepreneurship

At The Ignite Foundation, every few years, we pause and ask ourselves a simple question:

Are we building moments, or are we building systems?

Over the years, our ecosystem has grown through multiple layers of engagement. Levels 1, 2, and 3 engagements — from half-day and one-day workshops to 3-day immersions — allowed young people to enter conversations around citizenship, climate, leadership, and community action.

The School for Social Transformation deepened this journey with an intensive offline phase of up to 10 days, followed by an action phase where participants stepped into real community initiatives.

What followed these programs was something organic. Participants continued their work. Some built small initiatives. Some mobilized communities. Some struggled and returned with questions.

We supported them — but largely through an informal system. Conversations. Calls. Mentorship when possible. Networks when needed.

It worked — but it was not structured.

As we step into 2026, we recognize that the next phase of our work demands more intentionality.

Why the Winter School?

The Winter School on Social Entrepreneurship marks a shift in how we think about continuity.

This is not just another program in our calendar. It is the beginning of a semi-formal support system for:

• Aspiring social entrepreneurs
• Founders of non-profit initiatives
• Young leaders who want to move from awareness to implementation
• Individuals committed to sustaining and scaling community-based projects

We realized that inspiration is abundant.
What is scarce is structured support.

Ideas need space.
Action needs accountability.
Leadership needs mentorship.
And impact needs systems.

The Winter School is our attempt to build that bridge.

From Engagement to Ecosystem

The Ignite Foundation has always been an ecosystem — not merely an organization.

But ecosystems evolve.

The early years were about mobilizing young minds.
The next phase was about nurturing action.
This phase is about sustaining entrepreneurs of change.

We see this as one of our defining milestones of 2026 — not because it is perfect, but because it is intentional.

There is still a long way to go. Systems take time. Culture takes patience. Community takes commitment.

But the foundation has been laid.

Gratitude and Co-Creation

No ecosystem milestone happens in isolation.

Deep appreciation to Jaseel C K — the thinker and designer behind this edition — for shaping the conceptual and structural backbone of the Winter School.

And to all the co-learners and co-creators of the first edition: thank you for stepping into something that is still evolving. Institutions are built not just by founders, but by those who believe early.

The journey continues — with more clarity, more structure, and the same spirit.