Mumbai, 27th February, 2024: OmniActive Improving Lives Foundation launches the Climate Tech & Sustainability Acceleration Program. The program is funded by OmniActive Health Technologies, in collaboration with Bioriidl - India’s First DIY Biolab & a Bioincubator, riidl Somaiya Vidyavihar (Research Innovation Incubation Design Laboratory Foundation). The new program is inviting applications from prototype-ready startups across domains including Clean Energy, Horticulture, Materials, Food & Agriculture, Circular Economy, Supply Chain, and Nutraceuticals to access paid pilot opportunities and funding up to INR 20 Lakhs.

As of 2022, the agriculture industry in India is valued at over INR 80,000 Billion. AgriTech startups in India face the challenge of modernizing this predominantly traditional sector, aiming to enhance productivity and sustainability. Tackling issues such as fragmented supply chains, limited technology adoption, and the need for climate-resilient solutions is crucial. With agriculture contributing significantly to India's economy, startups hold the key to driving innovation and transforming the sector for improved efficiency and socio-economic impact. Addressing these challenges, this program is designed for prototype-ready startups to address critical challenges focusing on climate tech & sustainability domains. It presents a platform for startups to tackle 11 identified key problem statements in the agricultural sector, spanning from revolutionizing Flower Harvest mechanisms to pioneering Sustainable Packaging solutions.

Key Highlights of the Program:
●       Financial Support: Startups stand a chance to receive financial support of up to INR 20 Lakhs, empowering them to amplify their impact in the Sustainability domain.
●       Paid Pilot Opportunities: Selected startups will have the opportunity to engage in paid pilots leveraging industry expertise and resources for real-world applications.
●       Partner Credits: Gain access to partner credits valued at INR 95 lakhs+, facilitating strategic collaborations and accelerated growth.
●       Marketing & GTM Support: Participants will benefit from curated workshops, labs, market support, mentorship, grants & funds, investor connections and a host of resources designed to accelerate their journey.

Ms. Bhavna Pandya, Head, Bioriidl & Innovation Catalyst, riidl Somaiya Vidyavihar said, “We at riidl Somaiya Vidyavihar are committed towards fostering innovation that not only addresses real-world challenges but also drives positive social impact for the environment & society at large. Through the program, we aim to build cutting-edge solutions, leading us one step closer towards a sustainable future.”

Mr. Sanjaya Mariwala, CEO, OmniActive Health Technologies stated, “ We are witnessing a moment of transformation in the agricultural sector. It is important to reimagine farming practices to address our contemporary challenges while aligning with sustainability goals. At OmniActive, we are helping bridge this gap and take the incredible work the startups are doing to the farms through our one of a kind paid pilot options. At OmniActive, we are aligning with the self-reliance vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat and what better way to do this than by supporting the ideas from India’s startup ecosystem with partners like riidl Somaiya Vidyavihar.”

To this, Mr. Rushva Parihar, Head, Improving Lives Foundation added, “It is very exciting to be able to bring together the vision of OmniActive Health Technologies and Bioriidl, riidl Somaiya Vidyavihar and support innovation that drives a positive change in rural communities. All the innovations we support through this acceleration program will be piloted in underserved communities and make a difference in the way we imagine agriculture and sustainability.”

About Improving Lives Foundation:
The Improving Lives Foundation is a not for profit that is dedicated to fostering positive change in the lives of underserved communities. The Foundation works across areas of Health, Environment and Education.

About OmniActive Health Technologies:
Established in 2005, OmniActive Health Technologies seeks to improve lives through innovative science and natural health solutions. OmniActive’s product portfolio consists of scientifically validated, IP-protected, branded Specialty Actives and an extensive portfolio of natural Botanical Actives for global customers in the dietary supplement, functional food, and beverage markets. OmniActive partners closely with its customers in key markets worldwide and is supported by three global R&D centers and best-in-class production facilities throughout India.

About Bioriidl:
Bioriidl is India’s First DIY Biolab and a Biotechnology business incubator which is a space for amateur biologists to get together and pool resources in order to perform safe and interesting science. The bio Incubator aims to nucleate and nurture technology and knowledge-based enterprises in the areas of biotechnology, Biopharma, Agrobiotech, Industrial biotech, Clean technology and many other domains.

About riidl Somaiya Vidyavihar:
Research Innovation Incubation Design Laboratory Foundation (riidl Somaiya Vidyavihar) was set up in the year 2010, on its Mumbai campus, by Somaiya Vidyavihar and supported by Somaiya Trust. It has incubated over 200 startups & facilitated in creating 600+ full time job and internship opportunities with a community of over 850 maker teams / innovator teams while the total revenue generated by the incubated startups is over INR 300 Cr.