Immersive Field Courses: IFCs require a firm commitment and carry a financial obligation. Financial aid is available in the form of a student loan, a need-based HBS scholarship, or a combination of both depending on your individual circumstances. The Add/Drop process at the start of the term is the mechanism for any IFC enrollment changes, and, after that point, the course fee is non-refundable. Refer to the GEO website for full details on IFCs and be sure you understand the Course Policies and Course Fee & Financial Aid. Visit IFC Financial Aid for a quick assessment to determine your eligibility and process or contact finaid@hbs.edu for more information.

Enrollment: Limited to 45 MBA students (due to the nature of IFCs, auditing is not permitted)

Course Overview

The global race to eliminate greenhouse gases from the atmosphere has started in full earnest. The stakes are high; emissions released by human activities are taking a catastrophic toll on the planet, prompting potentially an irreversible climate crisis. As a result, countries and companies have committed to decarbonization initiatives and announced net zero targets. While there are significant climate-related problems that are common across the world, there are some unique challenges and opportunities that are faced by developing economies. IFC India presents an opportunity for students to advance their knowledge of sustainability efforts, decarbonization and net zero in the context of a broader development agenda. The course will address and unpack the fundamentals of decarbonization, the science and impact of net zero, and the need and ways to build a sustainable future. Students will explore the balance of maintaining basic development goals, such as improving infrastructure, reducing poverty, energy access, housing, transport services, water, food security, education, and healthcare —while prioritizing decarbonization and net zero initiatives. This course will integrate learning across BGIE, finance, general management, technology, LCA, CAP and more!

This is a research-based course consisting of case and research-based learning in Boston and field research in India. Students will work in teams of 4-5, focused on a particular research work stream. Potential work streams include energy generation (renewables, cleaner fossil fuels, decentralized solutions, and biomass), mobility, clean-tech, agriculture, urban resilience and adaptation, hard to abate sectors (steel, cement), carbon sequestering, and waste management. Students will be able to select which research work stream they work on and form their own team. In Fall 2025, students will address the opportunities and challenges presented by these work streams during four class sessions. These sessions will include cases, guests, and collaborative student assignments. In January 2026, students will visit 10-12 organizations (including their operating facilities) in Bangalore and Mumbai. These organizations could include private companies and government entities such as the Mumbai Municipal Corporation, Tata Power, JSW Steel, and Unilever, and startups such as Ohmium Green Hydrogen, Ather Mobility, StringBio, and Exponent Energy. We will also focus on rural development and energy access for the poor arranged through organizations such as the SELCO Foundation. The schedule during the Immersion is expected to be intense with quite a bit of road travel so please be prepared for that.

I have been doing business in India for over 30 years. This course will leverage my knowledge of the country and my network with business, government, non-profits, and development agencies to deliver a unique experience for students who not only want to learn more about climate related issues but also want to get a general understanding of doing business in India.

The final product is for each student team to produce a research paper on their work stream based on their research in Boston and the site visits in India.

Course Credit and Fees

Students will receive 3 credits upon successful completion of this course.

HBS will provide logistical support for the immersion (including accommodations, select meals, and local travel arrangements). Students will be charged a course fee towards defraying a portion of these costs. Students are responsible for booking and paying for their own round-trip air travel and any costs associated with required visa documentation and immunizations. Students should ensure adequate processing time for all visas, as travel fees are not refundable if a student does not secure visas on time.

For detailed information about what the course program fee includes and excludes, as well as information about student accommodations, please visit the GEO website or email geo@hbs.edu.

GEO continuously evaluates the safety and logistical feasibility of running Immersive Field Courses in each location. Please be aware that IFCs can be canceled at any time due to changes in global health and safety or other unforeseen circumstances. Students will not be redistributed into another IFC, nor will a new course be developed. Course fees will be refunded.

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