On World Environment Day (5 June 2025), Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi became the stage for a major leap in India’s cleantech journey. UKHI, a rising force in sustainable innovation, officially launched EcoGran. With the bold statement, “The next big thing isn’t made from oil—it’s made from farm waste,” the unveiling marked a turning point in the shift toward eco-friendly materials and circular economy solutions.
While Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Minister of Science & Technology, served as the Chief Guest, the official inauguration was conducted by the Secretary of the Department of Science & Technology, Prof. Abhay Karandikar, in the esteemed presence of Ambassador of the Netherlands, Marisa Gerards, and Ambassador of Denmark, H.E. Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen, Anita Gupta, Head, Climate, Energy & Sustainable Technology (CEST) and Anil Singh, GM, IIT Mandi Catalyst.
This groundbreaking launch signifies India’s bold leap into the global bioeconomy and sustainable materials revolution.
Crisis That Sparked Innovation
India faces a staggering environmental challenge:
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3 million metric tons of plastic waste generated annually—equivalent to 25,000 Boeing 747s
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Single-use plastics choking 90% of India's major rivers
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Stubble burning costing North India USD 30 billion annually in health and environmental damage
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One truck-load of plastic entering oceans globally every minute
Breakthrough: From Agricultural Waste to Wealth
Born within the innovation ecosystem of IIT Mandi Catalyst—a Technology Business Incubator supported by DST's National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI)—UKHI's EcoGran represents India's scientific moonshot in sustainable materials:
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Converts crop waste into durable, biodegradable plastic—ending destructive stubble burning
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Adds Rs 15,000 per acre to farmer incomes—catalyzing rural economic revival
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30% cheaper than imported bioplastics—embodying 'Make in India meets Save the Planet'
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Backed by research excellence from IIT and IIM collaborations
A Homecoming Celebration of Innovation
Speaking at the launch, the GM of IIT Mandi Catalyst- Anil Singh - emphasized the significance of this homegrown solution: “When DST's incubators like IIT Mandi Catalyst empower startups like UKHI, magic happens. This is how we build an Atmanirbhar Bharat—where sustainability drives prosperity. EcoGran transforms the dream of a plastic-free India into reality by converting the very waste our farmers burn into valuable resources.”
The launch ceremony, held under the theme TATWA - Transforming (emissions) Air, (rising) Temperature, Water (availability) through Climate Actions, witnessed the convergence of academia, government, and entrepreneurship—the hallmark of India's innovation ecosystem.
Revolution in Numbers Economic Impact:
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500+ green jobs projected in next 30 months
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1 lakh tonnes/year production capacity by 2030
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100% Indian IP with patents filed
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USD 10 trillion global bioeconomy opportunity
Environmental Impact:
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Circular economy model turning waste into wealth
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Agricultural waste valorization eliminating stubble burning
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Clean Rivers Initiative reducing plastic pollution
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Carbon footprint reduction through sustainable packaging
Why This Changes Everything
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Farmers win: No more burning waste equals cleaner air plus additional income streams
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Industry wins: Finally, a scalable, affordable eco-alternative to conventional plastics
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India wins: A blueprint to lead the global transition to sustainable materials
Government's Vision Realized
The Department of Science & Technology's Climate, Energy and Sustainable Technology (CEST) Division has been instrumental in nurturing this innovation through its comprehensive incubation ecosystem. The launch aligns perfectly with India's commitment to the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative and the government's plastic waste management rules.
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future
UKHI's EcoGran launch represents more than a product unveiling—it's the genesis of India's environmental revolution. With backing from prestigious institutions like Indian Institute of Packaging, NSRCEL - IIM Bangalore and ICAR, Pusa, and the robust support of DST's innovation infrastructure, EcoGran is poised to transform India's approach to sustainable manufacturing.
As the Secretary concluded: “When 1.4 billion Indians move in one direction, mountains shift and rivers change their course. Let's make EcoGran the first step toward a clean, green India. Jai Hind!”
