Nagaland’s Kenono Foundation among winners at SBI Youth for India Conclave 2025

The Kenono Foundation, led by Ruchinilo Kemp, was among six outstanding social ventures awarded seed funding at the SBI Youth for India (YFI) Conclave 2025, held in Guwahati. Kemp’s initiative, which focuses on forest biodiversity conservation and sustainable rural livelihoods in Nagaland, received Rs 11 lakh through the ‘Sahyog – The Pitch Fest’ organized by the SBI Foundation.

The Kenono Foundation, based in Nagaland, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving forest biodiversity and supporting forest-dependent communities. Kenono Foundation integrates environmental conservation with community empowerment by funding local conservation efforts and promoting community-based enterprises. “By integrating environmental conservation with community empowerment, we aim to achieve sustainable development and preserve the natural landscapes of our region,” Kemp said, sharing his vision for the foundation.

The YFI Conclave brought together changemakers, alumni, and experts from across the country to highlight scalable, grassroots solutions for rural transformation. One of the major highlights was the pitch fest, where ten promising ventures competed in a Shark Tank-style format. The event also included inspiring sessions from development sector leaders and Fellows.

Speaking at the event, Sanjay Prakash, MD & CEO of SBI Foundation, emphasized the vital role of youth-led innovation in bridging rural development gaps. “Through our focus on key thematic areas, including education, healthcare, women empowerment, and rural livelihoods, our Fellows have made a lasting impact,” he said.

About SBI Youth for India
Launched in 2011 by SBI Foundation, the SBI Youth for India Fellowship is a 13-month programme offering talented young professionals the opportunity to work with rural communities and implement sustainable development projects. Over the last decade, the programme has empowered 640 Fellows, impacting 250+ villages across 21 States.

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