India’s Bioeconomy as an Engine for Sustainable Development

Sector has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade

About 40 km from the heart of Delhi, in Faridabad (Haryana), sits the office of Dharaksha Ecosolutions, a biotech startup that makes biodegradable materials using mycelium-based technology.

The company’s material is made using crop residue and it offers a sustainable alternative to thermocol (or polystyrene foam) and also helps in reducing pollution.

In Pune, BioPrime develops biomolecules to help farmers from the risk of extreme weather events. The biotech company makes products with plant-based ingredients and botanical extracts using a patented technology.

Bengaluru-based Sea6 Energy and Mumbai-based Zerocircle leverage seaweed to contribute to a more sustainable future.

Zerocircle makes plastic alternatives using the marine plant. In 2022, the company was the ‘second-placed winner’ in the Tom Ford Plastic Innovation Prize, a global competition encouraging biologically degradable alternatives to single-use plastic bags.

Sea6 Energy has an innovative solution to automate the farming and harvesting of seaweed. Later last year, the company signed an agreement with India’s leading petroleum company, HPCL, to convert seaweed into biofuels.

Dharaksha Ecosolutions, BioPrime, Sea6 Energy and Zerocircle are a small bunch of a growing list of Indian startups…