IIT Madras has announced the top 25 teams for the fourth Carbon Zero Challenge. This challenge encourages startups in sustainability. The teams were revealed during an event at the IIT Madras campus.
The Carbon Zero Challenge aims to move from lab-scale models to prototypes. It has completed three cohorts, supporting 75 prototypes. The fourth cohort adds 25 more teams, totaling 100 teams.
The fourth cohort began in January 2024, providing funding of over ₹5 crore to 100 teams. It has helped create 13 startups and turned 42 students/researchers and eight faculty members into entrepreneurs.
The selected 25 teams include students, startups, faculties, and researchers. They presented solutions in water and wastewater, renewable energy, sustainable packaging, building materials, eco-friendly transportation, and waste management. These teams will receive up to ₹5 lakh and six months to develop their prototypes.
The Challenge is supported by Thales, a French multinational company, and Aquamap Centre for Water Management – IIT Madras. CZC4.0 received 850 applications from 25 states, with 25 teams shortlisted after two rounds of evaluations by 50 experts.
Some important teams include CarbonAir, proposing the conversion of industrial waste gases to useful products for Zero Carbon Emissions; Yotuh Energy Pvt Ltd, suggesting electrifying refrigeration for cold logistics vehicles; and Pravahan, proposing a zero-emission high-speed ferry/vessel.
