3 incredible IIT start-up success stories of 2021
Today’s youth is no longer dependent on employment opportunities. They are building start-ups that go on to change the world. And the Indian Institutes of Technology, popularly called the IITs have always been the centres of innovation and creativity that pave the way for these start-ups. In fact, they have been the architects behind several successful start-ups in the last few years that are currently setting examples for the ongoing Made in India venture run together by all the IITs across the country. These start-ups have proved to be so worthwhile that they have not only made news in India but also abroad. Here is a list of 3 excellent IIT start-ups that have made 2021 a great year for India in the arena of entrepreneurship.
LCB Fertilizers
Akshay Srivastava and Mukesh Chauhan, both from IIT Kanpur, have developed a start-up venture called LCB Fertilizers. Akshay, a student of chemical engineering in the university, who belongs to a family of farmers, had always wanted to build an agricultural start-up that would help in creating alternatives of chemical fertilizers alongside improving overall crop production. With this thought in mind, Akshay collaborated with his friend and batchmate Mukesh, and both of them developed a fertilizer that works with the help of microorganisms. The fertilizer has been made using nano partials and are shaped like straws, making it easier for farmers to use in bulk. At present, LCB Fertilizers start-up caters to thousands of farmers and have also provided several job opportunities to skilled and unskilled labours from the towns and villages of North India. The IITans’ upcoming project is all about creating crop-specific fertilizers.
Sabzi Kothi
Nikki Kumar Jha, another brilliant mind from IIT Kanpur, has developed a start-up called Sabzi Kothi that has broken geographical barriers and managed to reach Europe. The venture is all about an innovative cold storage that farmers can build in their own farm, field or basically anywhere. This storage facility can even be movable through the help of trolleys, tempos and rickshaws. His start-up idea developed when he saw his own farmer relatives in Bihar incurring losses as they couldn’t properly store their produce, leading to their destruction. This, in turn, resulted in an uncontrollable spread of the harmful greenhouse gas called methane. Sabzi Kothi provides a simple and cost-effective solution to these problems that operates under any weather condition. The ‘kothi’ or the cold storage only requires 20 watts of electricity and one litre of water per day to function effectively and can even be charged with a small battery. This start-up was born in the incubation centre of IIT Kanpur and is applauded across borders for its sustainable quality. The reach of Sabzi Kothi has reached so far that the World Wildlife Fund for Nature recognised Jha’s innovation and conferred him with the title ‘Climate Solver India.’
Swasa Mask
Dr. Sandeep Patil, a PhD from IIT Bombay, developed a start-up called Swasa Mask, that has now become popular all across the country. Swasa Masks not only prevent dust particles and bacteria but also 98 per cent viruses. It is designed based on the method called ‘physical separation.’ These masks have a thin coating of nanofibers and nanoparticles that lend a double layer of protection. In fact, it has been certified by the Nelson Lab in USA as an effective tool to fight the COVID-19 virus. At present, Swasa Mask produces as many as 3 lakh masks daily to keep up with its increasing demand and offers earning opportunities to thousands of women. Swasa Mask made a significant noise at the Dubai Expo and have been widely recognised by the Prime Minister and several frontline healthcare workers.