HIGHLIGHTS-
- The Union government has launched India WaterPitch-Pilot-Scale Start-up Challenge.
- Under this program, the government will select 100 startups.
- The selected start-ups will receive Rs 20 lakh each and mentorship.
Water constitutes a larger portion of the earth; still, there are places where there is a severe scarcity of water. In a country like India, today also there are some places, where the women can be seen traveling kilometers to fetch a pail of water. Many are even left with no choice but to drink unclean water. In such a situation, the innovations to push the water sector are the need of an hour. Many Indian companies have responded by developing innovative solutions that provide a ray of optimism.
With this, the Union Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri has launched a water start-up challenge named ‘WaterPitch-Pilot-Scale Start-up Challenge ‘. Under this initiative, the government will select 100 startups and provide ₹20 lakh each as funding support. The program intends to push the water sector with innovative ideas and technologies.
Government to support start-ups in the water sector
The water start-up challenge is launched as a part of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0. The project intends to empower start-up companies in the water industry to grow via innovation and design. It will drive sustainable economic growth and offer employment opportunities. The selected startups will receive a grant of INR 20 lakhs as part of the program. In addition, the Ministry will provide the selected firms with funding and mentorship.
“Start-ups are the flavor of the season”
Minister Puri emphasized the importance of start-ups and guaranteed them the government’s complete and active support. The minister remarked, “Start-ups are the flavor of the season, noting that the number of unicorns in the country has increased by leaps and bounds”.
He stated that the success of the government’s schemes is dependent in large part on the participation and contribution of stakeholders and others in the ecosystem and that the answers of stakeholders in the water sector are critical in shaping government programs.
Benefits of a water start-up challenge
The initiative will secure India’s water security while also lowering transportation costs, reducing groundwater contamination, and increasing water usage capacity. Start-ups will have to play a significant role in the Mission’s success, bringing in fresh ideas, technology, and unique delivery systems, among other things.
