IIM Calcutta Innovation Park and PLASTINDIA Foundation Announce Nationwide Search for Breakthrough Ideas in Sustainability and Circular Plastics
Kolkata, 25 November 2025: Union Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal launched the Bharat Next Challenge, a flagship national initiative by PLASTINDIA Foundation in partnership with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP), aimed at driving India’s next wave of innovation and sustainability in the plastics sector.
Officially titled Bharat Next Challenge: PLASTINDIA Foundation Startup Search 2026, the programme aims to discover and promote ideas “Born in India” that reimagine plastics for a greener, more circular future.
The Challenge is a marquee programme under PLASTINDIA 2026, one of the largest international plastics exhibitions in the world, scheduled from February 5–10, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Positioning the initiative as a celebration of Talent, one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 5Ts of Brand India, Shri Piyush Goyal reaffirmed the government’s focus on innovation-led industrial growth.
“The government is committed to strengthening India’s deep-tech ecosystem, enhancing ease of doing business, reducing compliance burden, and fostering entrepreneurship,” said Shri Goyal at the launch.
“I hope this initiative will enable the plastics industry to take a decisive leap towards 100% reuse and recycling, aligned with India’s sustainability goals and rising global demand for circular products.”
Significant Rewards & Unmatched Exposure for Startups
The Startup Search offers one of the most attractive support packages in the sector.
- The top 10 winning startups will each receive:
- ₹2 lakh prize money
- A complimentary exhibition stall worth ₹2 lakh at PLASTINDIA 2026
- Direct access to 6 lakh+ visitors, 2,000+ exhibitors, and 500+ global participants from over 80 countries
- All applicants will receive a PLASTINDIA Foundation Certificate of Recognition and a complimentary ₹2,500 all-day pass to attend PLASTINDIA 2026.
Industry Leaders Emphasise Innovation, Sustainability, and Scale
“Through our partnership with IIMCIP, the National Innovation Challenge will identify high-potential startups across plastics, materials, recycling, sustainability, and circular economy,” said Ravish Kamath, President, PLASTINDIA Foundation.
“Winning startups will benefit from exclusive mentorship from IIM Calcutta, strengthening their ability to scale and commercialise transformational ideas.”
“This Challenge aims to accelerate innovation and foster meaningful industry–startup collaboration. Our goal is to give young entrepreneurs the visibility, access, and credibility needed to reimagine India’s plastics ecosystem,” added Alok Tibrewala, Chairman, National Executive Council, PLASTINDIA 2026.
“We believe the future of India’s growth will be defined by breakthrough ideas that integrate sustainability with world-class innovation,” said Mr Ajay Jain, Chairman, IIM Calcutta Innovation Park.
“Through the Bharat Next Challenge, we aim to empower startups with the mentorship, platforms, and partnerships needed to convert bold ideas into impact at scale, strengthening India’s leadership in circular and sustainable technologies and contributing meaningfully to the nation’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.”
Mr Jain Further said, “India’s plastics industry is undergoing a pivotal phase of modernization, and fresh thinking from startups is essential to accelerating this transition.
This initiative reflects a forward-looking vision from the PLASTINDIA Foundation, and we are privileged to partner with them in nurturing the next generation of innovators who will shape the future of this sector.”
Wide Scope: From Medical Devices to Circular Materials
The competition welcomes innovation across the plastics value chain, including life-saving medical devices, next-generation materials, green chemistry, recycling tech, sustainable packaging, manufacturing breakthroughs, and policy innovations.
The initiative aims to energise India’s ₹3.5 lakh crore plastics industry, which employs over 4 million people, by helping startups access funding, industrial partners, mentorship, and platforms for national visibility.
A Nationwide Call for Ideas: “Born in India”
The Challenge is open to all Indians above the age of 16. Applicants must submit:
- A 1,000-word pitch, and
- A 2-minute video describing their idea and its potential impact.
A panel of experts will evaluate submissions, shortlist the Top 50 ideas, and select the Top 10 winners, who will present at PLASTINDIA 2026.
Registrations are now open at: https://plastindia.org/start-up-search
About IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP)
The IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) is a not-for-profit (Section 8) company established under the aegis of the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in India.
Recognised by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, IIMCIP’s mission is to nurture innovative, socially impactful entrepreneurs who can drive inclusive growth.
Its core offerings span structured mentoring, capacity building, seed funding and access to markets and investors. To date, IIMCIP has mentored more than 2,000 startups and seed-funded 124 ventures, which have collectively raised over ₹2,000 crore and built a cumulative portfolio valuation of nearly ₹8,000 crore.
IIMCIP also works closely with government bodies, corporates and academia to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem, foster high-impact collaborations and promote women’s entrepreneurship, with a special focus on underserved regions of the country.
Disclaimer:- This story has not been edited by SugerMint staff and provided by the agency. SugerMint will not be responsible in any way for the content of this story.
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