IIT Kanpur’s Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) has partnered with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) to launch the Startup Gateway for Garbage Free Cities 2.0 program to support sustainability startups which addresses the urban waste management challenges. It is a one-year initiative and offers selected startups Rs 20 lakhs in funding along with technical and business mentoring, access to research facilities and connections with investors as well. Notably, it facilitates direct collaboration between startups and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and corporations for implementing sustainable solutions.
Professor S Ganesh, Officiating Director of IIT Kanpur, stressed the critical need for innovative waste management solutions amid urbanization and population growth. He expressed confidence in the success of the Startup Gateway for Garbage Free Cities 2.0 program in collaboration with MoHUA. This initiative supports various waste management aspects in line with the Swachh Bharat campaign.
Professor Ankush Sharma, Head of SIIC, stressed on the social and environmental importance of the collaboration and noted that the partnership highlights their commitment to make a positive impact on society and the planet as well. India’s waste management industry is currently worth $32.09 billion and is set to reach $35.87 billion by 2028. As of now, only 30% of recyclable waste is processed while 50% of solid waste goes to untreated landfills. This is raising serious concerns about growing landfill sites in cities.
SIIC IIT Kanpur’s initiative not only addresses a critical environmental issue but also offers a lifeline to sustainability startups. It is potentially revolutionizing waste management practices in the urban areas. As the Startup Gateway for Garbage Free Cities 2.0 program invites innovative minds to participate, it sets the stage for a brighter, cleaner and more sustainable future for the cities in our country.
