MoHUA, IIT Kanpur Launch New Startup Cohort To Accelerate Urban Waste Management Reforms
New Delhi, Nov 28 (KNN) – The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur’s Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC), has officially launched the second cohort of sanitation and waste management startups under the Swachhata Startup programme. This initiative was unveiled by MoHUA Minister of State, Tokhan Sahu, during the Swachhata Startup Conclave 2025.
Objective of the Initiative
The primary aim of this initiative is to scale homegrown waste-tech solutions and enhance urban service delivery across the country. Minister Sahu emphasized the importance of engaging with startups, stating, “Our engagement with startups is empowering young innovators to build a cleaner, greener, and more self-reliant India, creating jobs, generating revenue, and driving real change on the ground.”
Achievements of the First Cohort
The first cohort of the Swachhata Startup programme successfully backed 30 startups, which collectively boosted their revenue by 11 times and increased funding sixfold. This growth led to a total valuation of approximately Rs 500 crore. Notably, these startups generated around 2,000 jobs and processed over 300 lakh litres of wastewater along with 63,000 metric tonnes of solid waste.
Details of the Second Cohort
For the second cohort, 32 startups have been selected to focus on various aspects of waste management, including:
- Circular waste management
- Segregation of waste
- Desludging services
- Waste-to-energy solutions
IIT Kanpur will continue to provide essential support in research and development, incubation facilities, investor connections, and market access through partnerships with Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
Benefits for MSMEs
The growing waste-tech ecosystem is expected to significantly benefit Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly small service providers and local waste-processing units. Access to cost-effective solutions, innovative business models, and technology partnerships will enable MSMEs to:
- Modernize their operations
- Reduce operational costs
- Participate more effectively in city-level waste management contracts
Future Plans
MoHUA has plans to establish a unified national platform aimed at connecting startups, ULBs, investors, and other stakeholders. This platform will facilitate the faster deployment of Indian waste-tech solutions and strengthen the country’s emerging circular economy framework.
The initiative is expected to bolster India’s circular economy and promote swachhata-driven innovation across various cities, aligning with the government’s vision for sustainable urban development.
Conclusion
The launch of the second cohort under the Swachhata Startup programme signifies a crucial step towards addressing urban waste management challenges in India. By fostering innovation and collaboration among startups, the initiative aims to create a cleaner, more sustainable urban environment while simultaneously generating economic opportunities.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on the latest updates from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and other credible sources as of November 2025.
