FUEL Lists on NSE Social Stock Exchange, Expands Education Access Mission

Friends Union for Energising Lives (FUEL), a not-for-profit focused on education and skilling, has been listed on the Social Stock Exchange at the National Stock Exchange of India. The milestone was marked

by a bell-ringing ceremony attended by key stakeholders and government leaders, signalling a new phase in the organisation’s mission to support underserved youth.

The listing is aimed at expanding access to education, digital skills, and structured career pathways for students from government schools and rural communities, with a particular focus on young women. Alongside the listing, FUEL announced its Social Stock Exchange issue, designed to fund scholarships for underserved girls and first-generation learners while ensuring transparency and accountability in social funding.

The event was attended by Chandrakant Patil and Mangal Prabhat Lodha. 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.”

Dr. Ketan Deshpande, Founder and Chairman, FUEL, said, “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,” while Mangal Prabhat Lodha added, “FUEL (Friends Union for Energising Lives) is doing commendable work in the field of skill development and career guidance for students and youth. 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,".

FUEL also announced its recognition as a Skilltech and Entrepreneurship University by the Maharashtra government and plans to expand with new schools across disciplines, strengthening its long-term impact on employability and education.