SWACH Accelerator Program for start-ups unveiled
Mohali, April 18, 2024: Innovation Mission Punjab, IIT Ropar Technology Innovation Foundation AWaDH- Agriculture & Water Development Hub, and India Sanitation Coalition announced the launch of SWACH, an Accelerator Program dedicated to empowering start-up’s in the WASH sector (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene).
SWACH, which stands for Sanitation and Water Action for Conserving Humanity, is set to create a significant impact in the landscape of the WASH sector by providing tailored support, mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities to innovative entrepreneurs across India.
In a unique collaboration where the technical prowess of IIT Ropar AWaDH, the business acumen of Innovation Mission Punjab, and the sectoral expertise of India Sanitation Coalition, SWACH is uniquely positioned to drive impactful change. Leveraging the entrepreneurial spirit of start-ups with cutting-edge research, SWACH aims to catalyze transformative solutions that address critical challenges in water accessibility, sanitation, and hygiene practices.
Prof. Rajeev Ahuja (Director - IIT Ropar & IIT Guwahati) in a statement said, “I'm pleased to announce the launch of the SWACH Accelerator Program & am sure that this program will foster an impeccable wave to bolster R&D, innovation, and entrepreneurship in sanitation & water management, providing start-ups with resources to develop scalable solutions for a cleaner, healthier future.”
Pramod Bhasin (Chairman - Innovation Mission Punjab, Founder - Genpact), said in his statement, “I'm delighted to support the collaborative endeavors targeting vital public health & sustainable development issues. The SWACH Accelerator arrives as a timely & essential solution to address pressing concerns. Together, we have an opportunity to make significant strides in enhancing millions of lives through access to clean water, adequate sanitation & hygiene.”
Naina Lal Kidwai, India Sanitation Coalition(ISC) & Former President-FICCI said, “By developing a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem and encouraging private sector participation, the SWACH accelerator holds immense promise in revolutionizing sanitation efforts and plastic waste management across urban and rural communities. I commend the collaborative approach dedicated to recognizing and supporting innovative solutions. “
Somveer Anand, CEO & Mission Director; Innovation Mission Punjab; Mukesh Kestwal, CIO, AWaDH, IIT Ropar; Radhika Trikha, COO, AWaDH, IIT Ropar and Natasha Patel, CEO, ISC were present at the launch of SWACH.
The SWACH accelerator program will select a cohort of 12 start-ups from across India to participate in a rigorous 10-month acceleration journey. During this period, start-ups will benefit from top-class mentorship, capacity building, roadmap implementation, piloting opportunities, and funding readiness support. The program will culminate in a demo day where participants will have the opportunity to showcase their businesses to venture capitalists, impact investors, and stakeholders from the country's ecosystem as an opportunity to raise Funds.
The call for applications for the SWACH accelerator program starts on 18th April 2024. Interested start-ups are encouraged to apply by 20th May 2024, the last date: and be part of this transformative journey towards equitable access to clean water and proper sanitation.
