Start-up challenge for innovation in water sector

Hundred selected start-ups will receive Rs 20 lakh each as funding support as well as mentorship at the India WaterPitch-Pilot-Scale Start-up Challenge launched by the Union government on March 12.

The new initiative is aimed at empowering start-ups in the water sector to grow through innovation and design that will drive sustainable economic growth and generate employment opportunities, according to the Union ministry of housing and urban affairs.

The initiative was launched by Union housing and urban affairs minister Hardeep Singh Puri under the ministry's Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0.

Several start-ups from various parts of the gave their presentations with innovative ideas and cutting-edge technologies at the launch.

Puri underlined the important role being played by start-ups and assured them of full and active support from the government, according to a statement from the ministry.

Start-ups are the flavour of the season as the number of unicorns in the country has increased by leaps and bounds, the minister said.

The success of the government's schemes hinges, to a large extent, on the role and contribution of stakeholders and others in the ecosystem, Puri said, adding that the stakeholders' responses in the water sector are crucial for formulating government programmes.

AMRUT 2.0 is a transformative and unique scheme, with a huge outlay of over Rs 2.77 lakh crore. The scheme will ensure water security in the country, reduce its transportation costs, reduce groundwater contamination, and increase water utilisation capacity.

For the success of the mission, start-ups will have to play a meaningful role by bringing in innovative ideas, technology, novel delivery mechanisms.