Startups for Solving Global Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Challenges

With a steady performance in various global indices to outstanding performance in Global Innovation Index 2022, India is surely carving out a path-breaking development story. India remains a frontrunner in implementing ace economic practices and showcasing corporate governance across various ministries.

However, amidst a changing world economic paradigm and climate change situation, one of the most critical targets ahead of us pertains to the Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is also often reiterated through multilateral conclaves and forum discussions that without SDG preparedness, the vision of a developed nation cannot be fully attained.

In an attempt to address the slipping rankings in the most critical SDGs, the government has recently done adequate budgetary allocations and one of the sectors seeing this significant push is Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) under SDG-6.  The outset of the global pandemic to has necessitated the importance of hygiene and the role of water as a prerequisite to ‘good health’. With growing awareness and national importance through programs like Jal Jeevan Mission, AMRUT, Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), Namami Gange, etc., improved service delivery is also being ensured in areas like – regulated piped water supply, household connections, wastewater treatment, water quality testing and rejuvenation/cleanliness of water resources. The successful country-wide implementation of SBM to eradicate age-old Open Defecation practice (ODF) stands as a testament to these government interventions for meeting SDG targets.

Yet there remains immense scope to innovate in this sector with a desperate need for technology usage to address urban-rural water and sanitation-related challenges. Therefore, in a quest to aid this sector through entrepreneurial insights, startups are actively working towards creating viable solutions for different geographies and cities in India.

Currently, Startups working in the WASH Sector are grouped in the Waste Management category, which includes about 1411 startups recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) as of 10th April 2023. These startups are spread across 28 States and Union Territories and across 230 districts in India. Moreover, 54% of these are from Tier 2/Tier 3 non-metro cities. The highest number of Startups in this sector have been recognized in Maharashtra (19%), Delhi (11%), Uttar Pradesh (8%), Karnataka (9%), and Gujarat (10%). Some of the startups that have made a remarkable presence in this sector are:

• Genrobotic Innovations’ flagship product “Bandicoot” is a manhole cleaning robot that addresses the pressing social issue of manual scavenging. It has made transformative changes in the lives of sanitation workers.
• Zonta Infratech Private Limited is a socially and environmentally conscious organization that provides comprehensive waste and water management services.
• Trashcon Labs have developed a completely automated waste segregation system named Trashbot. It solves the problem of mixed solid municipal waste by eliminating human intervention in segregation and upholding the dignity of labor.
• Ekam Eco Solutions is in the business of developing humane, hygienic, and sustainable sanitation products that mimic nature. One of their flagship products is the Zerodor Waterless Urinal which uses zero water and produces zero odor.

Startup India Initiatives

Startup India has worked along with various ministries and departments to recognize and reward startups working in the WASH Sector. Some of the initiatives are:

1. Innovation Challenge to Develop Portable Device for Water Quality Testing: DPIIT, in partnership with the National Jal Jeevan Mission (NJJM), Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, launched the Innovation Challenge to develop ‘portable devices for testing drinking water quality’. Startups were shortlisted under the challenge and were facilitated for further support through cash grants worth INR 2 lakhs each and seed grants worth up to INR 25 lakhs each, along with incubation support.
2. Swachh Bharat Grand Challenge: Under the Swachh Bharat Grand Challenge, Startup India worked with the Ministry of Water and Sanitation to recognize Startups spearheading novel innovations in the field of waste management, water management, air quality management, and sanitation.  Two startups in each sector have been awarded cash grants.
3. Grand Water Saving Challenge: In partnership with Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), Startup India launched the Grand Water Saving Challenge, which aimed to address the need for an efficient flush system in public toilets to ensure optimum usage of water and a clean and hygienic toilet. The initiative prioritized water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) as a key pillar of physical and mental well-being thus ensuring holistic positive change in communities.

Stakeholders in the WASH ecosystem work towards a common goal that every person has access to clean water and safe sanitation facilities, and practices good hygiene behavior. Startups, being an integral part of the ecosystem, aim to achieve this goal of leaving no one behind with their disruptive innovations.  Startup India therefore strongly urges startups to participate in National Startups Awards to be identified and rewarded if they have made meaningful contributions in water management, used water management, rainwater management, sewage and septage management, treatment technology, decentralization of water distribution channels, restoration of rivers/lakes, overall water governance, etc.

Eligible DPIIT-recognized startups may apply for the National Startup Awards 2023 in the following categories -

1. Impact on Rural Areas
2. India’s Social Impact Champion

One can explore more about the Award Category options at National Startup Awards 2023. Visit Startup India Hub to apply for the startups recognition process if not already a DPIIT-recognized startup.