Not just funds, startups get help with technical support and better market access. They also get support for enhancing resource efficiency and building scalable business models.
Active since 2023, the three entities set up the Circular Economy Innovation Cluster (CEIC) to strengthen Bengaluru’s innovation ecosystem “by connecting diverse actors who typically work in isolation.”
Among the 23 startups, eight received an equity-free grant of $18,000 enabling the post-revenue ventures to scale their impact. They include:
Angirus – Sustainable alternatives to construction bricks and paver blocks
Ecorenowa – Improving solar panel recycling efficiency through on-site denomination
E-waste Social – Digital waste management and traceability platform for e-waste
KOSHA – AI-driven solutions for improved textile waste recycling efficiency
Green Adhaar – Software-as-service platform for end-to-end waste management and traceability
Green Goobe – Provides non-toxic, environmentally safe cleaning products in reused packaging
Reverse – End-to-end, closed-loop system for the reuse of glass and rigid plastic packaging containers
UnWood – Sustainable alternatives to hardwood-based construction boards
Climate KIC also supports existing circular economy ventures in Bengaluru scale with a much bigger grant of $98,000 each. The 7 ClimAccelerators include:
Bare Necessities – Waterless alternatives to conventional home care products
CarbonCraft – Tiles that provide a carbon-negative solution
R-Buy Smart Refill – Refill what you need – any quantity, any time
Saahas Zero Waste – Transforming textile trash into treasure
Saving Grains – From spent grain to gourmet gain
Sunbird Straws – A drinking straw that provides a guilt-free Experience
Wheedle – Rediscover joy with pre-loved treasures for kids
ClimateKIC (www.climate-kic.org) also provides pre-incubator support with seed-funding, mentoring and market access. Eight ventures received $1,000 each for research and prototyping.
