Lucknow Startup Making Batteries from Aloe-Vera Gel Gets ₹1.91 Cr from TBD

Technology Development Board (TDB), a statutory body by Government of India that provides financial assistance to Indian industrial concerns and other agencies, has announced in early this month that it is collaborating with Aloe Ecell Pvt. Ltd., an innovative startup rooted in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, to commercialize Eco-friendly-1.5V AA size Aloe Vera-based batteries.

Of the startup's Aloe-Vera batteries project valued at Rs. 2.98 crores, TDB will contribute Rs. 1.91 crores as a soft loan to Aloe Ecell amplifying the startup's project's potential to drive eco-friendly innovation to new heights.

Aloe Ecell  Partners with Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science & Technology for the commercialization of eco-friendly batteries.

The Lucknow-based startup’s ingenious approach entails the creation of an eco-friendly 1.5V AA size battery, which may help in departure from conventional counterparts laden with heavy metals and toxic chemicals. Leveraging the inherent properties of Aloe-Vera, Aloe Ecell has formulated an electrolyte that not only matches the performance of established market standards but also champions environmental responsibility.

According to a 2018 research, Aloe-Vera contains acid, which has the potential to generate electric current. While an experiment by a Malaysian university researchers revealed that the electrical energy harvested from the Aloe Vera under a specific setup condition can produce an output of 3.49 V and 1.1 mA.

The Aloe Ecell's Aloe-vera battery is NABL (IS 8144:2018) certified primary non-rechargeable battery available in AA and AAA sizes. It has been created as a safer alternative to traditional hazardous dry-cell batteries.

Additionally, the Aloe Vera Battery is carbon negative, as the Aloe Vera plants used in the production of the gel electrolyte actively capture and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This helps offset the emissions associated with the battery's production, transportation, and disposal.

Moreover, the use of eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes further reduces the battery's carbon footprint.

The startup will create facilities for commercial production of primary batteries in Bundi, Rajasthan.

Mr. Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB, emphasized, "Our collaboration with Aloe ECell Pvt. Ltd. epitomizes TDB's commitment to support sustainable innovation. This partnership signifies our dedication to supporting visionary projects that blend technological advancement with environmental stewardship. As the startup forges ahead bolstered by TDB's steadfast support, it exemplifies the capability of government-industry collaboration in shaping a more sustainable and prosperous future for our nation."

Last month, TDB committed financial support of ₹ 3.81 to Bengaluru-based hardware startup TIEA Connectors Pvt Ltd. Prior to that, TBD had pledged support of ₹3.94 Crores to Pune-based Noccarc for its indigenously developed technology innovation — A Digitally Enabled Advanced Universal ICU Ventilators.

The collaboration of the TDB with Aloe Ecell is in consonance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary initiative, 'Mission LiFE' (Lifestyle for Environment).

The core objective of the project harmonizes seamlessly with 'Mission LiFE's' ethos – to introduce lifestyle choices in harmony with ecological well-being. By spearheading the cause of eco-friendly primary batteries, Aloe ECell may contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment while addressing longstanding concerns tied to the toxic composition in conventional batteries.

Maharashtra Startup Gets Rs 3.29 Cr Support from Govt for Indigenous Development of Hydrogen Gas Detecting Technology

In tune with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of National Hydrogen Mission (NHM), Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh today announced financial aid of Rs 3.29 crore to Thane, Maharashtra-based Multi Nano Sense Technologies Pvt. Ltd., to support the manufacturing of Hydrogen sensors indigenously.

Multi Nano Sense Technologies (Multi Nano Sense) has signed an MoU Technology Development Board under DST, for indigenous development of Hydrogen Sensing & Analysis Technology. 

Founded in 2017, Multi Nano Sense is a deep technology company developing an indigenous cutting edge hydrogen analysis sensor for new age applications. The development is also related to the universal miniaturized core sensor designs for leak detection and/ or analysis of hydrogen.

Hydrogen is regarded as one of the best clean energy carriers, which is the ultimate fossil fuel alternate candidate however it is extremely flammable, and high concentrations of the gas in confined spaces will displace oxygen which is life-threatening. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that there is no leakage of hydrogen which will pave the way for its optimal utility, and thus as the usage of Hydrogen as a fuel will rise the detection of the gas become imperative too.

The startup has patented hydrogen gas sensor and analyzer based on a core sensor; which has been conceptualized, developed, manufactured and serviced entirely in India. The Minister informed that at present, it is heavily dependent on importing sensors, as all core sensor elements are imported from China, USA, UK, Japan and Germany.

The startup is building gas and dust sensors with vastly enhanced capabilities and has a Patented Hydrogen Sensing Technology (Indian Patent No. 252998) which has ability to detect and analyze Hydrogen, with very high selectivity, specificity and intelligence, over the entire range of 0% to 100% H2 v/v in Air.

The sensors can not only operate in a vacuum, but also in both air and inert backgrounds. The sensors have a very long life and do not require any maintenance, except periodic calibration to maintain very high levels of accuracy. It does not require any moving or degradable parts, claims the startup's website.

Besides, the sensor has several other path breaking features such as — Minimum detection: Parts Per Million (PPM) range; Maximum detection: 100% Pure Hydrogen; Instant response within 3 seconds; low power consumption for core sensor operation. Portable detectors can operate continuously upto 36 hours on single charge; non-corrosive; long life of 5 years etc.

With this technology, India can easily penetrate the global market to complement domestic demand through their Made in India products. The global hydrogen gas sensor market is presently valued at USD 685 million and is anticipated to amplify at a CAGR of 6.2%, thereby amassing a valuation of USD 1,250 million by end of the assessment timeline.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, the demand for energy is growing and with the limitation of existing resources, there is a need for an alternative fuel. He said, ‘Hydrogen’ envisages being the future fuel to replace fossil fuel and therefore production of Hydrogen fuel by using power from renewable energy, termed as green hydrogen is one of the major requirements towards environmentally sustainable energy security of the nation.

The Minister added that as per NITI Aayog’s report titled ‘Harnessing Green Hydrogen: Opportunities for Deep Decarbonization in India’ Hydrogen will provide a pathway to accelerate the emergence of a green hydrogen economy, which is critical for India to achieve its net-zero ambitions by 2070.

A recent report highlighted that for India to achieve its target of net-zero carbon economy by 2070, carbon capture technologies and green hydrogen should be among key strategies for the country to adopt optimally, which will also realize India’s green energy potential.

Technology Development Board of DST Forays Into Aquaculture, Funds Its 1st Aquaculture-Project That Uses Israeli Tech

Fountainhead's Aquaculture Site [Image - fafpl.co.in]

Inspired by Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, and to bring ‘Blue Revolution’ TDB-DST supports its first aquaculture project

Realizing the potential of Fisheries sector, Government of India has taken several steps to promote and encourage fisheries & aquaculture in the country. Last year in July, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, launched the Online Course Mobile App “Matsya Setu” to disseminate the latest freshwater aquaculture technologies to the aqua farmers of the country.

In a latest now, Technology Development Board (TDB), a statutory body under Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of India has funded its first ever ‘Aquaculture’ project using ‘state of the art’ Israeli technology for production of Tilapia Fish. The board has supported Navi Mumbai-based Fountainhead Agro Farms Pvt Ltd. (Fountainhead), for ‘Advanced, Intensive, All Male Tilapia Aquaculture Project with Israeli Technology’, says today's press release by Ministry of Science & Technology.

TDB has penned an mutual agreement, to provide loan assistance of Rs. 8.42 crores out of the total project cost of Rs. 29.78 crores to the company.

‘Tilapia’ has emerged to be one of the most productive and internationally traded food fish in the world. The culture of tilapia has become commercially popular in many parts of the world and the fishery experts have dubbed the tilapia as “aquatic chicken” due to its quick growth and low maintenance cultivation. Today, if any fish that could be named as global fish, no better name can be thought of than Tilapia.

In order to facilitate the culture of Tilapia in India in responsible manner, Fountainhead envisages setting up of a complete production line (from breeding to full fish) in Mudhol (Karnataka). The company aims to produce 500 tons of Tilapia, to be grown from the imported parent broodstock ‘Hermon’ from Nir David Fish Breeding Farm, Israel.  

Hermon is a hybrid of two selected strains of Tilapia, namely Oreochromis Niloticus (Male) and Oreochromis Aureus (Female), and is known for special characteristics such as high growth rate; resistance to low temperature.

Fountainhead Site in construction for Aquaculture [Image - fafpl.co.in]

Fountainhead initiated the conventional fish farming of Indian Major Carps (IMC) at Mudol, Karnataka by converting the sugarcane fields to earthen ponds and drawing water through pipelines from the river. It specialized over the years to grow particular breed of IMC from seedling stage to full grown fish, most conducive to the water and soil properties of the established Site location spreading over 16 acres of land.

The company has adopted advanced Israeli Technology from Aquaculture Production Technology Limited (APTIL), Israel (under Technology Service Agreement signed in October, 2020) for land locked locations through closed loop farming for arid zone with seasonal water supply from rivers, which may be replicated throughout India in multiple arid landlocked locations with reasonable water sources. In order to suit Indian conditions, the complete engineering of the facility is tuned as per the requirement of site conditions such as land availability, water availability, weather conditions, availability of the surrounding resources, soil conditions, topography.

Mr. Rajesh Kumar Pathak, IP&TAFS, Secretary, TDB said that, “The Govt. of India has placed special attention to fisheries sector with a view to uplift fishermen community of India economically through ‘Blue Revolution’. The sector holds vast potential for export, especially the ‘Tilapia Fish’ considering its huge demand in the global market. Also, the imported technology being ‘one of its kind’ will be a great addition to Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the ambitious scheme of Hon’ble PM, which aims to double the export earnings to Rs.1,00,000 crore from fisheries sector.

Fisheries is one of the fastest growing sectors amongst the primary producing sectors. The sector plays a vital role in economic and overall development of the country, also referred as the “sunrise sector”, it is poised to bring in immense potential through equitable and inclusive growth. The sector is recognized as a powerful engine for providing employment to 14.5 million people and sustaining livelihood for 28 million fishermen community of the country.

A couple of months back, AquaExchange, a full-stack, tech-driven platform serving India’s multi-billion-dollar shrimp & fish ecosystem, had raised $3 million in Pre-Series A funding from Endiya Partners and Accion Venture Lab, and others. AquaExchange’s IoT-powered technology helps India’s shrimp and fish farmers improve productivity and increase profits

Notably, to promote fisheries the cabinet under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Prime Minister, came up with ‘Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)’ to bring about ‘Blue Revolution’ through sustainable and responsible development of fisheries sector in India.

The PMMSY scheme targets to enhance fish production to 220 lakh metric tons by 2024-25, at an average annual growth rate of about 9%. The ambitious scheme also aims to double the export earnings to Rs.1,00,000 crore and generate about 55 lakhs direct and indirect employment opportunities in fisheries sector over a period of next five years.

Govt Looking for Pvt Indian Co.s with Innovative Tech in Waste Management

Financial Assistance to Indian Companies for Technology Commercialization.

Evaluation based on Scientific, Technological, Financial and Commercial Merit. 

Financial Assistance in the form of Loan, Equity and/or Grants.

In order to to explore and find affordable and adaptable India-made indigenous technologies for waste management creating a positive socio-economic impact, Technology Development Board, a statutory body of Department of Science & Technology (DST) has initiated a call for proposal in line with vision of Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 to contribute in accomplishment of scientific waste processing for ‘Garbage Free Cities’.

The invitation or call for proposals titled TDB ‘Waste to Wealth’ is in response to the challenge to keep big cities in the country waste free and at the same time generate wealth from waste.

TDB) has invited applications from companies/start-ups with innovative/indigenous technologies offering solutions for managing wastes occurring from Agriculture, Urban cities' population, Industries, and Construction. Solutions that TDB is looking for also include emerging technologies that solve waste management problems using Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Learning (ML).

Financial assistance, in the form of loan/equity or grants, will be provided to select Indian waste-management companies for technology commercialization. The evaluation for selection will be based on scientific, technological, financial and commercial merit and financial assistance will be provided in the form of loan, equity and/or grants.

Applications are invited from Indian companies (registered under the Companies Act 1956/ 2013)  having innovative/indigenous technologies at commercialization stage in waste management sector. The major broad thrust areas are as follows:

• Municipal Solid Waste
• Plastic Waste
• Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste
• Agricultural waste
• Biomedical waste
• E-Waste
• Industrial Hazardous & Non-Hazardous Wastes
• Battery waste
• Radioactive waste
• AI Based Solutions

The invitation or call for proposals titled TDB ‘Waste to Wealth’ is in response to the challenge to keep big cities in the country waste free and at the same time generate wealth from waste.

Last date to submit the proposal is 03rd July, 2022.
Application are to be submitted online only by clicking the link: http://www.e-techcom.tdb.gov.in/
Application procedure &funding: Details are avilable in TDB’s funding guidlines: http://tdb.gov.in/downloads/#pfg

With the call, TDB which is a pioneer in helping innovative indigenous technologies, aiming at improving the ease of living for common man, has reached out to help Industry & Academia collaborate to overcome this challenge aiming to realize the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister under Swachh Bharat Mission- Urban 2.0 at making all our cities ‘Garbage Free’.

Govt Offering Financial Support to Co.s and Startups in Semiconductor and Sensor Domain, Invites Applications

Financial Assistance to Indian Companies for Commercialization.

Evaluation based on Scientific, Technological, Financial and Commercial Merit.

Financial Assistance in the form of Loan, Equity and/or Grants.

Indian companies having innovative technologies at commercialization stage in semiconductor & sensor domain now have an opportunity of been supported financially for commercialization and receive financial assistance in the form of loans, equity, and grants from government.

Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, has invited proposals from Indian Companies with innovative/indigenous technologies in Semiconductor and Sensor domain.

Aligning with the national requirement and focus in the electronic/semiconductor sector, proposals have been invited from Indian companies with indigenous technologies at commercialization stage in semiconductor & sensor domain focusing on semiconductor fabrication, display fabrication, designing for integrated circuits (ICs), chipsets, system on chips (SoCs) and so on.

We have taken a decisive step on semi-conductors to encourage research and innovation in the sector. It will also boost manufacturing and thus strengthen the dream of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

- Narendra Modi

The proposals invited by TDB has key features like providing financial assistance to Indian Companies for Commercialization, evaluation based on Scientific, Technological, Financial and Commercial Merit, and Financial Assistance in the form of Loan, Equity and/or Grants. The companies applying should be Indian companies (as per Companies Act,1956 /2013) or Start-ups with Recognition Certificate from DPIIT.

Who can APPLY

• Indian companies (as per Companies Act,1956 /2013) 
• Start-ups with Recognition Certificate from DPIIT

The vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi aims at positioning India as a global hub for Electronics System Design and Manufacturing. The government has undertaken a large number of initiatives for development of core components, including chipsets, and creating an enabling environment for the industry to compete globally.

Semiconductors and displays are the foundation of modern electronics driving the next phase of digital transformation under Industry 4.0. Semiconductors and display manufacturing are very complex and technology-intensive sectors involving huge capital investments, high risk, long gestation and payback periods, and rapid changes in technology, which require significant and sustained investments. The call will give an impetus to semiconductor and display manufacturing by facilitating capital support and technological collaborations.

Sh. Rajesh Kumar Pathak, IP&TAFS, Secretary, TDB, added, “TDB has played a pivotal role in developing conducive ecosystems for growth of technology companies, this call shall provide impetus to the Semiconductor & Sensor Ecosystem, which will be essential to the AatmaNirbharBharat initiative.”

For detailed Funding Guidelines and Proposal Submission, applicants can visit TDB’s website- www.tdb.gov.in. Last date to submit the proposal is 26th March, 2022.