Hyd start-up BioReform among 7 selected to receive funding to reduce plastic use

Hyderabad: Seven start-ups have been selected from the Single-Use Plastics (SUP) Challenge organised by the Atal Incubation Center Foundation at Goa Institute of Management (AIC-GIM) in collaboration with Climate Collective Foundation and IHCL brand to make significant contributions to reduce the use of plastics in the food and beverage industry.

BioReform Pvt. Ltd., a Hyderabad-based start-up, was chosen and will receive funding and guidance from AIC-GIM throughout the pilot phase.

SUP Challenge–Goa is an international acceleration programme designed to address SUP demand and waste in the food and beverage industry. The challenge seeks to assist innovators in developing capacity and piloting their solution with F&B partners in Goa. The challenge evaluates the amount of single-use plastic waste and looks for ways to reduce its deposition in our environment.

BioReform manufactures completely eco-friendly, compostable, and biodegradable bags that, unlike conventional plastic, biodegrade completely in less than 180 days, protecting both land and marine life. They create specialised biodegradable bags based on the customer's specifications, including printing and unique branding.

"Getting selected from among 78 other driven start-ups is a big deal to us," said Mohammed Azhar Mohiuddin, founder and CEO of BioReform. "The cohort programmes were the most beneficial in terms of giving us firsthand experience as suppliers. The AIC-GIM sessions were the highlight for me as an entrepreneur. They were extremely educational and enlightening in that they provided us with industry insights as well as information on how we can contribute more to sustainability through our business. Aside from the funding, AIC-GIM also assisted us in gaining easy market access," he said.

There were 78 applicants from across the country and 17 innovative ideas were chosen. Following an evaluation, seven promising start-up ideas were chosen to run pilot projects at the Taj Hotel and Convention Centre in Goa. Shortlisted companies include Bare Necessities Zero Waste Solutions, Ibanss, BioReform, Ecopak, Kagzi Bottles, Kasoi India, and Srishti Lifescience. Each start-up has developed novel, previously unseen ideas to contribute significantly to the ongoing effort to reduce excessive plastic deposition in the environment.

"The SUP Challenge is a challenge that is currently taking place all over the world as people are slowly realising the importance of avoiding this climate catastrophe," said Rajesh Joshi, CEO of AIC-GIM.

AIC-GIM will provide selected start-ups with market access, funding, and mentorship. "We also have a pool of mentors chosen by the Atal Innovation Mission who the incubatees can approach for advice at any time," said Mr. Joshi.