IIT Kanpur is welcoming startups from across the country to help make major cities free of garbage. They're providing a substantial financial support of ₹ 20 lakhs to startups dedicated to achieving cleaner cities and turning their ideas and technology into tangible products.

The institute's objective is to use technology-driven solutions to convert major cities into waste-free urban areas.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), in collaboration with IIT Kanpur's Startup Incubation and Innovation Center (SIIC), is dedicated to improving the nation's cleanliness and aesthetics. A key component of this effort is tackling the waste management challenge. IIT scientists will assess startup proposals, offering financial and technical support to foster promising ideas into thriving startups. These scientists will also serve as mentors.

Key focus areas within this initiative encompass:

1. Zero waste dumping

2. Promoting waste reduction, reusability, and recycling

3. Efficient plastic waste management

4. Implementing waste segregation techniques

5. Innovations in waste management

6. Real-time waste monitoring

7. Cultivating social innovations in waste management.

Startups from across India are invited and encouraged to present their concepts and prototypes before October 19.