The Indian School of Business (ISB), Dharmalife- a social impact organisation, and the Wheeler Institute for Business and Development at London Business School (LBS) have recently inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish Dharmalife (DL) Labs at ISB’s Hyderabad campus.

DL Labs, co-created with the Wheeler Institute, Siriti, and Accenture, brings together ISB’s research depth and policy influence with Dharmalife Labs’ extensive last-mile network spanning over 45,000 villages. The Wheeler Institute contributes academic rigour and global research linkages, ensuring that field insights are systematically translated into measurable social and economic impact.

With ISB joining, the partnership aims to strengthen rigorous academic collaboration with field-based evidence, leveraging Dharmalife Labs as a dynamic platform for innovation, social entrepreneurship, and policy engagement that advances inclusive growth. ISB will serve as the academic anchor in India for Dharmalife Labs.

Professor Madan Pillutla, Dean, ISB, underlined that “This initiative builds on the long-term partnership between the Indian School of Business and the London Business School, two globally leading institutions dedicated to transforming research into lasting real-world impact. By combining their academic strengths, data-driven expertise, and global perspectives with Dharmalife Lab’s deep networks on the ground, the collaboration seeks to create innovative models that inform policy, inspire entrepreneurship, and deliver sustainable outcomes for communities across India.”

Gaurav Mehta, Founder and CEO, Dharmalife, said; “As we celebrate 15 years of Dharmalife’s impact, our experience shows that when academic rigour and grassroots innovation come together, meaningful impact can happen at scale. With the Indian School of Business joining our long-standing collaboration with the Wheeler Institute at London Business School, we are deepening our ability to learn from evidence and to translate insights into action for millions of people. Welcoming ISB to this partnership marks the next chapter in our shared journey to create profound, lasting change through collective innovation.”

Professor Rajesh Chandy, Academic Director, Wheeler Institute of Business and Development, London Business School, said, “This partnership demonstrates what can happen when world-class research meets grassroots innovation. Together with global and local partners, we are showing that research-based solutions can scale to reach millions, transforming lives and livelihoods. Our collaboration with Dharmalife and the Indian School of Business builds on the fruits of long-standing relationships, bringing together rigorous research and local innovation. It is a model for how business research can inform practice and have a profound impact on individuals, communities, and the world at large.”