MoHUA, IIT Kanpur Launch 2nd Startup Cohort to Boost Innovation in Sanitation and Waste Management
On November 27, 2025, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in collaboration with the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur, launched the second cohort of startups aimed at enhancing sanitation and waste management in India. The announcement took place during the Swachhata Startup Conclave held in New Delhi, where Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Tokhan Sahu, introduced a new group of 32 startups.
Impact of the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban
Tokhan Sahu highlighted the significant transformation brought about by the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban (SBM-U) over the past decade. The initiative has shifted India’s waste management landscape from outdated practices to modern, technology-driven systems. Startups have emerged as key players in this transformation, developing innovative solutions that enhance urban cleanliness and operational efficiency.
Connecting Startups with Stakeholders
The Minister emphasized the Ministry’s efforts to create a national platform designed to connect startups with urban local bodies, investors, and other stakeholders. This platform aims to facilitate the identification of urban challenges and the implementation of localized solutions on a larger scale.
India’s Growing Startup Ecosystem
India boasts a vibrant startup ecosystem, with over 100 unicorns and a strong culture of innovation that extends beyond major metropolitan areas into smaller cities. This momentum is particularly evident in the waste management sector, which has seen the registration of more than 5,000 startups with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). These startups are instrumental in enhancing sustainability and service delivery through the introduction of new tools and technologies.
Achievements of the First Cohort
Since its inception in 2014, the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban has significantly reshaped India’s sanitation ecosystem. The second phase of the mission focuses on creating garbage-free cities by promoting waste segregation, recycling, circular economy models, and improved safety standards for sanitation workers. Startups have played a crucial role in this initiative, developing solutions that range from mechanized manhole cleaning and waste tracking to recycling-based businesses and innovative waste collection models.
Swachhata Startup Challenge
To foster these innovations, MoHUA launched the Swachhata Startup Challenge in 2022. The first cohort attracted over 230 applications, resulting in the selection of 30 startups for funding and mentorship. These startups have made impressive contributions, including:
- Treating over 300 lakh litres of wastewater.
- Managing more than 63,000 metric tonnes of waste.
- Clearing 15,000 metric tonnes of street garbage.
- Processing 200 metric tonnes of biodegradable waste.
Collectively, these startups have achieved a valuation exceeding Rs 500 crore and have created over 2,000 jobs.
Second Cohort Selection
The second cohort of the Swachhata Startup Challenge garnered significant interest, with over 400 applications submitted. From this competitive pool, 32 startups were selected to join the initiative. This selection underscores the growing interest and commitment to addressing sanitation and waste management challenges through innovative solutions.
Future Prospects
The ongoing partnership between MoHUA and IIT Kanpur is expected to yield further advancements in the sanitation sector. By leveraging technology and fostering innovation, these startups aim to create sustainable solutions that can be scaled across urban areas in India. The collaboration not only supports the startups but also contributes to the larger goal of achieving a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment.
Conclusion
The launch of the second startup cohort by MoHUA and IIT Kanpur marks a significant step forward in India’s journey towards improved sanitation and waste management. By empowering startups and facilitating innovation, the initiative aims to create a cleaner, more sustainable future for urban India.
Note: This article is based on information available as of November 2025 and aims to provide an overview of the initiatives undertaken by MoHUA and IIT Kanpur in the field of sanitation and waste management.
