Climate-KIC’s Post

Reflecting on our transformative Circular Economy Journey in Bengaluru: from innovative solutions to cultivating future entrepreneurs in sustainability!

A two-week program by EIT Climate-KIC and SecondMuse will help us understand how to foster positive environmental and social change through entrepreneurship? Sign Us Up! 💡 This programme helps you to create solutions that focus on preventing and reducing waste in Bengaluru. Learn more and apply for this here: https://bit.ly/3JG238E 🚀 #socialimpact #socialentrepreneurs

🌍 Moving towards a #circular economy - Insights from the Sankalp Global Summit 2023! ❗️The 15th edition of the Sankalp #Global Summit, a premier platform for inclusive #development, recently unfolded in Mumbai, showcasing the latest in entrepreneurship and impact investing. With over 25 sessions, the summit drew hundreds of delegates globally, addressing critical issues in six key areas. ♻️ The #Circular Economy Track, focused on the textile and apparel sector, delved into the challenges of #decarbonizing the industry. Leaders from Decathlon International and H&M emphasized the importance of reducing #consumption, embracing clean energy, and forging long-term relationships in production. 💡 The "Moving the Needle" session explored the intersection of #circular #fashion and social impact. Panelists discussed the need to view labor as an investment, not a cost, and highlighted the pivotal role of empowering female workers and rethinking consumption. 👗 “A Circular Wardrobe" session unveiled the potential of #alternative materials. Theia Ventures stressed consumer readiness to pay a premium for #circular #fashion, while innovators like AltMat showcased #technology transforming agricultural waste into #sustainable biomaterials. 📈 Scaling challenges were acknowledged by Sagana Capital's Akash Singh, emphasizing the need for #collaboration and #innovation in the journey toward a #circular economy. 🚀 The summit concluded with Graham Ross from BlockTexx, highlighting strides in textile-to-textile #recycling. While the call for #circularity is the new normal, the challenge lies in scalability and proving #environmental claims. #FashionLandscape #SustainableFashion #TechFashion #FashionEvolution #CreativeStyle #LimitlessInnovation

🎉 Join us in celebrating these 10 remarkable companies for their successful funding rounds! 1. Jaipur Watch Company - $288K - Crafting exquisite timepieces with a blend of heritage craftsmanship and modern innovation, Jaipur Watch Company celebrates India's rich horological tradition. 2. Wayspring - $45M - Revolutionizing mental healthcare with personalized digital therapeutics and virtual support networks, Wayspring Health empowers individuals to achieve lasting wellness. 3. Rollup - $5.6M - Redefining the future of online payments with a seamless and secure platform that simplifies transactions for businesses and consumers alike. 4. RecycleSmart - $1.15M - Leading the charge in sustainable waste management with smart recycling solutions that optimize collection routes and reduce environmental impact. 5. Resilience - $25M - Innovating healthcare delivery with AI-driven predictive analytics and remote monitoring tools that enhance patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. 6. Traction Ag - $10M - Empowering farmers with data-driven insights and precision agriculture solutions that optimize crop yields and promote sustainable farming practices 7. Boulder Care - $35.01M - Transforming addiction treatment with a comprehensive digital platform that offers personalized care plans and ongoing support for individuals on their journey to recovery. 8. Footprint - $13M - Tackling plastic pollution with innovative biodegradable packaging solutions that reduce environmental waste and promote a more sustainable future. 9. Finout - $26.3M - Revolutionizing financial services with AI-powered analytics and automation tools that empower businesses to make smarter decisions and drive growth 10. Enifer - $16.25M - Spearheading the transition to clean energy with cutting-edge biofuel technology that converts waste into renewable energy sources, mitigating carbon emissions and combatting climate change. 🚀 Keep up with startup funding news by following Growth List. Sign up for full data access and contact information.

This week's 'Impact Startups to Watch' are working on #circular solutions. These innovative startups are addressing the challenges of waste by developing novel business models, technologies, and systems to encourage the reuse, recycling and upcycling of materials. By embracing the principles of the circular economy, these startups are enabling a transformation within industries towards circular supply chains. koorvi (former numi.circular) is accelerating the circular transformation of our economy by building the technical infrastructure for brands to set-up, manage and track their own take back programs. CIRCULIFE ➰ helps organisations transition to circular asset management through value chain optimisation, for consistent sustainable profit, using a customised tracking methodology. MATR® is a circular economy company offering an innovative mattress-as-a-service solution to hotels. MATR® mattresses never end up as waste and always go back into the material cycle, resulting in a carbon footprint 50% less than conventional mattresses. THE UPCYCL built a B2B material exchange platform that makes waste from one company accessible as valuable resources for another. It fosters a tight-knit community where industrial waste materials are shared and circulated between the production and development stages, maximising existing resources' value, and enabling companies to rely on a circular supply chain. Human Material Loop transforms human hair – waste from hair salons – into natural, durable, and traceable textile fibres. For salons, this means a solution to hair waste. For the textile industry, this means a repurposed, ethical, and high-performing source. #impactentrepreneurship #circular #waste

This week's startup spotlight is on Lucent Globe, founded by Brodie Cook and Roger Cook. They're revolutionizing the way we wash clothes, making it more eco-friendly. 🌿 Most detergents on the market are loaded with toxic chemicals like bleach, phthalates, and 1,4-dioxane. These chemicals not only harm us but also the planet. 😔 They can increase the risk of cancer, disrupt hormones, and even kill decomposing bacteria in water, which messes up aquatic ecosystems. 🌊 Using regular detergent can give a carbon footprint of 0.5 - 1 Kg CO2 per load. 😶🌫️😷 Plus most liquid laundry detergents contain 60 to 90 percent water, which ends up wasted. It's crazy how inefficient we can be sometimes, right? 😶 Therefore, Lucent Globe makes eco-friendly laundry and dishwashing detergent sheets that are both better for the environment and cheaper. 💰 And the best part? They also use completely decomposable packaging.🌏 I've been following their Instagram and marketing campaigns, and I must say, they're mind-blowing. 😍 In India, Beco (founded by Anuj Ruia and Aditya Ruia) is also working on similar eco-friendly sheets. 👖 Let's all switch to a more eco-friendly way of living and support these amazing companies! #sustainableLiving #SustainableSolutions *** Found this interesting? Follow Ankit Jajoo 🌱 for more exciting bits on sustainability and eco-friendly ways of living.

In the quest for marrying sustainability with profit, small businesses around the world are illuminating the path with eco-conscious lighting solutions. Here are three lessons we can learn from these pioneers: ⿡ 🔄 Embracing a Circular Economy: Recycling isn't just good for the earth; it’s good for business. From reusing glass to repurposing metals, circular business models can reduce waste and attract eco-aware customers. ⿢ 🌿 Harnessing Biodegradable Materials: Whether it's cane fixtures or cardboard lighting shades, using biodegradable materials helps reduce the amount of microplastics in the environment. ⿣ 💡 Energy-Efficient LED Technology: By adopting LEDs, brands are not only slashing energy consumption but also offering products with longer lifespans, proving that sustainability can enhance quality and performance. Sustainability is not a choice, it’s a necessity – and small businesses across the world are leading this revolution. Join us in fostering a greener future, where innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship shine together. 💼🌍 Ravi Venkatesan | Madan Padaki | Mekin Maheshwari | Ketul Acharya | IKEA Foundation #SustainableBusiness #SmallBizLessons #EcoFriendlyLighting #SmallBusinessTips #GAMEIndia #GreenEntrepreneurship #LEDRevolution #CircularEconomy #Innovation #EarthDay #GreenerPlanet

Proud to announce release of Chase and ICCE report on 11th July at the India Circular Economy Forum (ICEF) 2024. During this event, Prerna Kapoor and Anirban Deb shared the findings of the comprehensive survey undertaken with startups associated with circular economy and sustainable practices. 🔍 Key Insights from the Survey: 1. Regulatory & Policy Needs: An overwhelming 60% of the surveyed startups emphasized the necessity for enhanced policy incentives and sector-specific reforms. This highlights the need for a supportive regulatory framework to drive the circular economy forward. 2. Environmental Impact: Nearly 50% of the startups are making a significant impact on environmental protection by adopting circular economy practices. Additionally, another 20% of startups are contributing to sustained environmental efforts, showcasing the growing commitment within the startup ecosystem. 3. Technology Adoption: Technology plays a crucial role in enabling circular economy practices. Our survey found that 52% of respondent startups have fully integrated technology into their operations. However, 44% are either at the initial stages of adoption or only partially embracing technology, indicating a need for further technological integration. 4. Waste Management Focus: Waste management emerged as a critical area of focus. Over 40% of the respondents are engaged in plastic waste management, followed by 22% in e-waste management and 11% in textile waste management. This illustrates the diverse areas where startups are making a difference. 5. Consumer Awareness: The survey revealed that approximately one-third of consumers are not well-versed in circular economy practices. However, there is a silver lining, as over 50% of consumers are partially aware of proper waste disposal methods, indicating room for increased awareness and education. These findings underscore the transformative role of startups in advancing the circular economy and the need for targeted support, enhanced policies, and consumer education. Thank you to the entire team for all their hard work, including Antra Jain, Aman Trivedi, and Dr. Dhawal Gupta. #CircularEconomy #SustainableBharat #ChaseIndia #ICCE2024 #Innovation #EnvironmentalImpact #WasteManagement #TechnologyAdoption #PolicyReform #ConsumerAwareness Avian WE, WE Communications 

Revisiting Mumbai after 10 years was a treat! The city's energy remains infectious, and I felt nostalgic about my time working at HUL in 2013. This trip was made even more special by reconnecting with Monika Gera, a fellow alumna from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women program run by NSRCEL, IIM Bangalore. Dr. Monika Gera is a serial entrepreneur and founder of JoonBlu and OneforBlue. Her innovative approach to sustainability impressed me - JoonBlu's handbags are crafted from recycled PET bottle yarns, keeping thousands of tons of plastic out of oceans and landfills. Similarly, at Qurez, we're committed to developing suncare formulas that are not only safe for humans but also for marine life. We believe that sustainability should be at the core of every business, and we're working hard to make that a reality. I'm inspired by Monika's dedication to reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability. Her team's passion and commitment to the cause are truly admirable. Here are my key takeaways from this experience: 1. Sustainability is a Business Imperative: Integrate eco-friendly practices into your business model to reduce environmental impact. 2. Innovation Can Drive Positive Change: Develop innovative solutions to address pressing issues like plastic waste. 3. Empower Women Entrepreneurs: Support initiatives that foster women's entrepreneurship and leadership. 4. Stay Curious and Open-Minded: Be receptive to new ideas and experiences. 5. Power of Networks: Leverage connections and alumni networks to reconnect with inspiring individuals like Monika and learn from their experiences. P.S: I am carrying JoonBlu's sling bag which has been made after recycling of 25 plastic bottles. I must tell you that this bag has amazing texture and feel :) #Sustainability #WomenEmpowerment #Innovation #SocialImpact #Entrepreneurship #Mumbai #GoldmanSachs10KWomen #Qurez #joonblu

Do you want to experiment with your service or business models and see how you can become more circular? ♻️ Here are 3 tools you can test: 1. Circularity Deck by Jan Konietzko is a learning and organising tool for designers, entrepreneurs and managers. It contains circular economy principles and lots of product and business model examples that illustrate how these principles have been applied in practice. We at Impact Hub Basel use it regularly in workshops with established #businesses and also #startups. 2. Circular IQ structures data and calculates outcomes, supporting businesses in taking concrete #actions towards their circularity goals. The Circular Transition Indicators Tool was developed to help businesses in different industries worldwide to measure and improve their circular performance by supporting and guiding companies through the CTI process. 3. Disrupt Framework by Circle Economy is a comprehensive list of circular strategies for products. It includes 80 tangible strategies. These are wide-ranging: from design #guidance, decisions concerning inputs, use, and end-of-life, to business models and collaboration in the supply chain and in the use of digital technologies to #support circularity. Roy Vercoulen, Circle Economy, Jan Konietzko, Anja Nieveler, Rahel Gerber, Marina Hasler,  Laxmi Adrianna Haigh, Jade Wilting, Eliane Albrecht, Lara Mogge, Felix Stähli, Ani Baboomian, Francois Ichtertz, Beth Durent Circularity, reVyven, Impact Hub Geneva, Impact Hub Bern, Impact Hub Ticino, Impact Hub Lausanne, Impact Hub Zürich, Impact Hub Switzerland, Impact Hub Network, CE Transition – Circular Economy Transition, Eva Bucherer, Circular Economy Switzerland, Heron Mochny, Caroline Tornay, Nicolai Diamant, BaselCircular. Let us know if you know other interesting tools to share and learn! 🛠️💡 #CircularEconomy #SustainableBusiness #ImpactHub #CircularTools #GreenInnovation #Kreislaufwirtschaft #NachhaltigesUnternehmen #GrüneInnovation