Launch of SWACH Accelerator Program: Revolutionizing India’s WASH Sector

Team High On Persona April 19, 2024

Mohali, April 19th, 2024: The SWACH Accelerator Program, launched by Innovation Mission Punjab, IIT Ropar Technology Innovation Foundation AWaDH, and India Sanitation Coalition, marks a milestone in empowering startups in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector. SWACH, standing for Sanitation and Water Action for Conserving Humanity, pledges tailored support, mentorship, funding, and networking to innovative entrepreneurs nationwide.

This collaboration merges IIT Ropar AWaDH’s technical expertise, Innovation Mission Punjab’s business acumen, and India Sanitation Coalition’s sectoral proficiency to drive transformative change in WASH. SWACH aims to catalyze solutions for critical challenges in water accessibility, sanitation, and hygiene practices by leveraging entrepreneurial spirit and cutting-edge research.

Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director of IIT Ropar & IIT Guwahati, sees SWACH as a catalyst for R&D, innovation, and entrepreneurship in sanitation and water management, offering resources for a cleaner, healthier future.

Pramod Bhasin, Chairman of Innovation Mission Punjab and Founder of Genpact, underscores SWACH’s importance in addressing public health and sustainable development issues, envisioning it as pivotal for enhancing lives through clean water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Naina Lal Kidwai, representing India Sanitation Coalition and Former President of FICCI, praises SWACH’s sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem and private sector engagement, foreseeing its potential to revolutionize sanitation efforts and plastic waste management.

At SWACH’s launch, key figures like Somveer Anand, CEO & Mission Director of Innovation Mission Punjab; Mukesh Kestwal, CIO of AWaDH, IIT Ropar; Radhika Trikha, COO of AWaDH, IIT Ropar; and Natasha Patel, CEO of India Sanitation Coalition, were present.

The SWACH accelerator program targets selecting 12 startups across India for a rigorous 10-month acceleration journey. Participants will receive mentorship, capacity building, piloting opportunities, and funding readiness support, culminating in a demo day to showcase their businesses to investors and stakeholders.

Applications for the SWACH accelerator program open on April 18th, 2024, closing on May 20th, 2024. Interested startups are urged to apply, joining the transformative journey towards equitable access to clean water and sanitation.

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