Plastic Waste Management
Tackling India’s Plastic Crisis: Startups Leading the Charge Towards Sustainability
Innovations backed by the Marico Innovation Foundation are spearheading the transformative change needed in the plastics value chain.
Three game-changing innovations from MIF’s Scale-Up Program mark India's climate tech revolution at Dubai's premier tech showcase.
Indian climate tech startups are making their mark on the global stage. At GITEX Global 2024—held in Dubai from October 14-18 and recognised as the world’s largest and most inclusive tech event—three ventures from Marico Innovation Foundation’s (MIF) flagship no-equity accelerator, Scale-Up, showcased their groundbreaking solutions to pressing environmental challenges.
The startups—Ishitva Robotic Systems, Urban Kisaan, and Goenvi Technologies—presented their innovations at dedicated exhibition pods secured with MIF’s support. With over 19,000 participants, including 500+ climate tech companies and 100+ global investors, GITEX Global provided a unique platform for these ventures to gain visibility, forge connections, and attract interest from international stakeholders.
Revolutionising waste management in India, Ishitva Robotic Systems is setting a new benchmark with their AI-driven automation technologies. Their flagship solutions include Sanjivani, India’s first autonomous waste segregation system, and Netra, a vision-based identification system for recyclables. These technologies replace manual sorting with safer, more efficient, and scalable alternatives, making sustainable waste management a reality for urban and industrial landscapes.
Addressing the global challenges of food security and sustainable agriculture, Urban Kisaan has pioneered hydroponic and vertical farming solutions that require no soil and use 95% less water than traditional methods. Their pesticide-free cultivation systems are designed for urban environments, making farming viable in crowded cities while reducing resource consumption. As the world looks for solutions to feed growing populations sustainably, UrbanKisaan offers a model for urban agriculture with a minimal environmental footprint.
“GITEX was a fantastic experience! We made some really promising connections with potential investors and partners, especially in the Middle East and North Africa,” notes Vihari Kanukollu, UrbanKisaan’s CEO.
Goenvi Technologies is transforming how industries manage waste and energy. Using their patented recycling process, they convert plastics and biomass waste into biofuels through low-temperature pyrolysis machines. Their technology not only diverts waste from landfills and incineration, but also provides a sustainable fuel alternative for industries. What makes Goenvi stand out is its cost efficiency—cutting setup costs for recycling plants in half and reducing conversion expenses by 75%. With a typical two-year payback period, Goenvi offers a practical, scalable solution for businesses looking to adopt sustainable energy practices.
This successful showcase at GITEX 2024 demonstrates how MIF’s Scale-Up program transforms promising Indian innovations into globally competitive solutions—providing the strategic mentorship, functional guidance, and international platforms needed to accelerate breakthrough technologies that drive meaningful environmental change worldwide.
Innovations backed by the Marico Innovation Foundation are spearheading the transformative change needed in the plastics value chain.
GreenPod Labs, a MIF Scale-Up portfolio company, has delivered exceptional operational and financial results through strategic and functional mentorship.
A stocktake of MIF’s efforts to drive scalable innovation in the plastic waste management space so far, and the road ahead—as featured in The Hindu BusinessLine.
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