Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), in association with Thales, has announced the top six teams developing eco-friendly technology from the fourth cohort of the Carbon Zero Challenge (CZC 4.0), a nationwide contest to boost innovation in this sector. As part of Thales’s CSR and solidarity efforts in India, Thales supported this transformative eco-innovation and entrepreneurship challenge.
The top six teams and the team with special mention recognised for their contributions to sustainable technology are:
- Gudlyf Mobility Pvt Ltd– H2ARWASTE: Developing hydrogen storage cylinders using agricultural waste.
- EESAN – CBG for Sustainability: Enabling cleaner bio-methane for homes and small businesses.
- Electropulse Innovations– Wastewater Treatment: Using high-voltage pulse generators for efficient wastewater management.
- Thaal Chemy Innovations Pvt Ltd– Sustainable Packaging: Producing nano-cellulose from agricultural residues.
- ReWinT – End-of-Life Turbine Blades: Transforming wind turbine blades using eco-friendly chemical and thermal processes.
- Chrissron Biomass Solutions – Plant-Based Resin: Manufacturing sustainable resin from plant waste.
Special Mention
Team YoTuh Energy was awarded a special mention for their groundbreaking electrified refrigeration technology for cold logistics vehicles, highlighting their rapid traction in investment and commercialisation.
The Carbon Zero Challenge represents an unparalleled opportunity for the brightest minds to converge, channel their creativity, and contribute meaningfully towards shaping a sustainable future for our planet. Together, we can ignite the spirit of entrepreneurship, protect our environment, and move closer to achieving a carbon-neutral world.
The top six teams will receive a start-up seed funding of up to ₹10 lakh. One other team has also been recognised with a ‘special mention’ for notable achievements. The CZC challenge aims to accelerate groundbreaking solutions to address climate change and foster sustainability.
The third edition was supported by Thales and Aquamap (Centre for Water Management and Policy at IIT Madras) and reached out to over 1,600 students and researchers from 600 universities and 270 start-ups across India. In line with Thales’ Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy, Thales supported the programme for a second consecutive year, for its fourth edition, showcasing its commitment to building a safer, greener, and more inclusive world.
The final 25 teams were shortlisted from the initial list of 500 teams. These teams embarked on a rigorous six-month journey from April to develop sustainable prototypes across various sectors, including energy, materials, agriculture, air, and water. These teams were invited to IIT Madras to showcase their innovations at the CZC 4.0 Grand Expo, held from 26–28 October 2024.
They were mentored on business aspects by Sustainability Mafia, a non-profit community of sustainability entrepreneurs. The CZC initiative encourages deep-technology and circular economy solutions to combat pressing environmental issues. To date, the CZC has supported around 100 prototypes.
Prof. Indumathi Nambi, Coordinator, Carbon Zero Challenge Coordinator, IIT Madras, said, “With a focus on fostering eco-startups addressing global challenges like climate change, pollution, and circular economy, CZC 4.0 attracted over 2,000 participants from 775 universities and 430 startups across India. Thirty successful startups have emerged from CZC’s previous cohorts, with another 35 advancing toward commercialisation. Participating teams received up to ₹500K in funding and mentorship to develop their prototypes.”
Prof. Indumathi Nambi added, “With the success of CZC 4.0, IIT Madras and its partners continue to translate academic research and technology into commercial ventures, addressing some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges through carbon-neutral technologies.”
