IDI is evolving and exploring a new strategic direction for our work. We’ll share more updates soon.

See our year-1 work & progress below.
Institute for Development Innovation
Aerial view of dense blue houses representing communities served

Indian states spend$100B / year on welfareOur goal is to improve the effectiveness of this spending.

IDI helps leaders adopt welfare reforms that are proven, politically viable, and practical to implement.

The Problem

Every year, Indian states spend >$100B on major welfare programs.

But, many of these programs underperform on both equity & cost-effectiveness.

Even small gains in effectiveness could improve the lives of millions of poor families.

What We Offer

Our Solution

We help leaders adopt more effective programs by offering:

01

Menu of high-impact programs

Which are both evidence-based and electorally viable.

02

Proof of popular appeal

Through polling data & insights, case studies and beneficiary reach data.

03

Hands-on support

To tailor & adopt them to their state's priorities & constraints.

Our Progress

In Year 1, we are working across 3 states — Tamil Nadu, Assam & Puducherry.

Our research has gained buy-in from senior leaders, resulting in manifesto commitments for 30 effective programs.

Our Team

Uttej K

Uttej K

Co-founder
  • Uttej is a former Bain consultant
  • He was awarded the ¥1.5 million Honda Prize for research excellence and worked with a global expert on evaluating Japan's education policy
  • He also set up a development fellowship with an MP, which was lauded by the Chief Minister
  • Uttej is a graduate of IIT Madras
Haindavi K

Haindavi K

Co-founder
  • Haindavi is a former BCG consultant
  • She worked with the governments of Bihar, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Bangladesh on critical reforms in health and education
  • Her work helped a government re-allocate millions to high-impact health programs
  • Haindavi is a graduate of IIT Madras
Our Portfolio

Some ideas we're working on

Education

  1. Scale AI-enabled Teaching at the Right Level (TARL)
  2. Community Tutors to Close Learning Gaps

Health

  1. Expand Access to Clean Water
  2. Stronger Primary Health Care Systems
  3. Effective Air Quality Action
  4. Reduce Lead Poisoning

Poverty

  1. Well Designed Cash Transfers
  2. Strengthen Weather / Crop Advisory for Farmers
  3. Scale Climate-Ready Seeds to Protect Yields

Good Governance

  1. Simplify Rules to unlock Growth & Jobs
  2. Improve Govt Finances Through Tax Reform
  3. Performance-Linked Grants to Local-Bodies
  4. Improving Digitisation of Land Records
WHAT GUIDES US

Our Values

Agility

We bring a startup mindset to mission-driven work: we test ideas quickly, learn from real-world feedback, and improve continuously.

Evidence-led

We are committed to using the best available evidence to guide our work. We seek the truth and update our views when the facts change.

Cost-effectiveness

We believe resources are limited and precious. We aim to focus our time, money, and effort on improving the well-being of as many lives as possible.

Collaborative spirit

We believe in radical collaboration. We will gladly step back, support, or enable others to move the needle. We are clear that the goal is progress, not credit.

Non-partisanship

We do not align with any political party, candidate, or ideology. Our loyalties are to evidence, the public good, and human well-being.