Students, researchers, start-ups, and innovators are being challenged to accelerate the development of sustainable packaging and biodegradable alternatives to single-use plastics in India.
Electrical and digital building infrastructure specialist Group Legrand India has teamed up with Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University in Lonere, Shivaji University in Kolhapur, and the Government of Maharashtra, to launch the HiiVE Legrand Innovation Challenge.
As part of the initiative, academics and innovators are being asked to develop practical, scalable, market-ready alternatives that support circular economy and sustainability objectives.
Group Legrand India said the aim was to identify and develop an innovative, ‘Made in India’ alternative to single-use plastics that is more than 90 per cent biodegradable.
Single-plastics elimination
The initiative also seeks to encourage the development of scalable and commercially viable solutions that can be adopted across industries, while also inspiring people to actively participate in the mission of ‘single-use plastics elimination’ through sustained behavioural change.
The challenge, which is being implemented by the IICare Foundation and Environmental Forum of India, also seeks to leverage Maharashtra Government University’s research, innovation and entrepreneurship capabilities under the guidance of Legrand’s technical experts.
At the event’s launch, Group Legrand India, IICare Foundation, and the universities involved signed a joint declaration of cooperation. This establishes a framework for long-term collaboration in research, innovation, incubation and commercialisation, while strengthening links between industry requirements and academic expertise.
As part of this collaboration, the partners plan to work together to support the HiiVE Legrand Innovation Challenge and accelerate the development and adoption of sustainable solutions through their university ecosystem.
‘Entrepreneurial thinking’
“At Legrand, sustainability is embedded in our purpose and in the way we innovate,” said Tony Berland, chief executive and managing director of Group Legrand India.
“Through the HiiVE Legrand Innovation Challenge, we aim to bring together industry expertise, academic research and entrepreneurial thinking to develop practical and scalable alternatives to single-use plastics. This initiative reflects our commitment to improving lives while advancing our sustainability goals.”
Santosh Bhosale, joint secretary to the deputy chief minister at the Government of Maharashtra, said: “Maharashtra has a tremendous opportunity to emerge as a leader in sustainability-driven innovation by harnessing the collective strength of its universities, research institutions, communities, entrepreneurs and collaborative innovation ecosystems.
“The HiiVE Legrand Innovation Challenge demonstrates how industry, academia and government can come together to translate ideas and research into impactful, scalable and market-ready solutions that create value for society, industry and the environment.”
