7 Startups to run the pilot phase of Single-Use Plastic Challenge introduced by Atal Incubation Centre of Goa Institute of Management.
Seven startups have been selected as a result of the Single-Use Plastics (SUP) Challenge organised by the Atal Incubation Center Foundation at Goa Institute of Management (AIC-GIM) in collaboration with Climate Collective Foundation and IHCL brand to make significant contributions to reducing the use of plastics in the Food and Beverage industry.
One of those chosen is the Benguluru-based firm ‘Bare Necessities Zero Waste Solutions,’ which will get cash and coaching from AIC-GIM throughout the pilot period.
SUP Challenge – Goa is an international acceleration initiative designed to address SUP demand and waste in the food and beverage industry.
The challenge seeks to assist innovators in developing capacity and piloting their solution with F&B partners in Goa.
The challenge assesses the volume of single-use plastic waste and finds ways to reduce its deposition in our environment.
Benguluru-based startup, Bare Necessities Zero Waste Solutions, solves significant problems in production, distribution, and consumption.
Through innovation and the provision of sustainable waste management solutions, Bare Necessities addresses the sometimes disregarded but growing issue of waste by focusing on the employment of women and relying on ethical procurement from neighborhood farmers and sellers.
“The experience with the SUP challenge was intense, rapid, and filled with immersive education aimed at accelerating the life cycle of innovative sustainable companies and compressing years’ worth of knowledge into just a few sessions. The sessions curated by AIC-GIM helped us gain real feedback from F&B partners after using our sustainable coconut bowls among other bare necessities products. It was immensely helpful to learn these lessons from other SUP pilots and other entrepreneurs on their SUP journey. There is great potential to collaborate with F&B partners; and of course, with other entrepreneurs; to help eliminate single use plastic from our economies, lifestyles and ecosystems.”
Sahar Mansoor, Founder of Bare Necessities Zero Waste Solutions, shares
There were 78 proposals from across the country, and 17 outstanding ideas were chosen. Following a review, seven interesting startup ideas were chosen to execute pilot programmes at the Taj Hotel and Convention Centre in Goa.
Shortlisted companies include Bare Necessities Zero Waste Solutions, Ibanss, BioReform, Ecopak, Kagzi Bottles, Kasoi India, and Srishti Lifescience.
Each firm has developed novel, previously unseen ideas to contribute considerably to the ongoing struggle to reduce excessive plastic deposition in the environment.
“The SUP Challenge is a challenge that is currently taking place all over the world as people are slowly realising the necessity of preventing this climate catastrophe, Making this initiative a reality in Goa has helped to place our state on the map in terms of sustainability. AIC-GIM will give chosen businesses with market access, cash, and mentorship. We also have a pool of mentors chosen by the Atal Innovation Mission who the incubatees can approach for help at any time.”
says Rajesh Joshi, CEO AIC-GIM
