Thematic Areas of Research
The Innovation Lab invites research proposals across the following thematic areas, which represent key opportunities for advancing applied research aligned with the Lab’s objectives.
- Financial Inclusion & Social Protection
Study of AI-based credit scoring using non-traditional data for low-income borrowers. Research on micro-insurance and micro-savings for gig workers and migrant populations. Examination of community-based finance models (SHGs, cooperatives, peer lending), vernacular fintech tools, and financial literacy initiatives for access-constrained groups. - Climate Finance
Research on green microfinance for clean energy and climate-resilient livelihoods. Study of parametric insurance and climate-risk financing mechanisms. Examination of ESG-linked lending for MSMEs and financing models for decentralized renewable energy, water, and sanitation projects. - Digital Finance, Cybersecurity & Trust Technologies
Study of blockchain-based transparency in benefit delivery. Research on fraud detection systems for UPI and mobile payments. Examination of privacy-preserving KYC, digital identity models, cybersecurity solutions, and secure data-sharing frameworks in inclusive digital finance. - AI Ethics & Fairness in Financial Systems
Research on bias in AI-based lending and insurance models. Study of explainable and auditable AI systems aligned with regulatory requirements. Examination of responsible data-use frameworks and fairness assessment mechanisms in fintech platforms. - Education, Skills Development and Access to Finance
Research on self-employment and micro-enterprise activity, particularly in creative industries. Study of barriers to formal credit access for self-employed workers. Examination of institutional, skilling, and financing mechanisms to improve credit access and income stability for skill-based workers.