The IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCP) and PlastIndia Foundations ‘Startup Search Initiative with focus on innovation and sustainability was launched by Piyush Goyal, Union Commerce and Industry Minister on Nov 17.
IIMCIP is the business incubator of the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta. It is active in promoting entrepreneurship and sustainability while as PlastIndia Foundation, an apex body of major associations, organisations, and institutions connected with Plastics.
The Plastindia2026 event will take place from February 5-10, 2026, at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The IIMCP & PLASTINDIA Foundations Startup search initiative’s main aim is to connect innovators and entrepreneurs with investors and partners. This program aims to foster growth in the plastics industry by connecting startups with funding and industrial support, with a specific focus on innovation and sustainability. The upcoming PLASTINDIA 2026 event, themed “Bharat Next,” will be a central platform for these startups to present their technologies and solutions.
“The government is committed to strengthening India’s deep tech ecosystem, enhancing ease-of-doing business, reducing compliance burden, and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. Hope this initiative will help the plastics industry to take a decisive leap towards ensuring 100% reuse and recycling of plastics, in line with India’s national sustainability goals and growing global demand for circular and environmentally responsible product” said Mr Piyush Goyal, while launching the ‘Startup Search initiative’.
“As per PlastIndia Foundation collaboration with IIM Calcutta the startup search imitative program under the National innovation challenge will identify high-potential startups in plastics, recycling, materials, sustainability, and circular economy. Top 10 startups will receive ₹2 lakh+ prize money each. Winning startups will also receive exclusive mentorship from IIM Calcutta” said Mr. Ravish Kamath, President of PlastIndia Foundation.
“The startup initiative has been designed to accelerate breakthrough ideas and support India’s innovation ecosystem with an objective to drive growth and innovation within the Indian plastics sector by providing a platform for startups to gain visibility and connect with key players. The innovative startups of the initiative will get an Opportunity to showcase solutions at PlastIndia 2026 – India’s largest plastics event to be held in New Delhi next year,” said Mr. Alok Tibrewala, Chairman of the National Executive Committee.
