Innovation for Sustainability

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the challenges of safe disposal of medical waste. A study by Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati (IIT-G) that proposes the use of compost natural clay to neutralise pathogens in waste.

Scientists at Gujarat Energy Research and Management Institute (GERMI) have developed the thinnest, lightweight, and biodegradable paper-based supercapacitor from seaweed (marine macroalgae). This supercapacitor can fully charge a device within 10 seconds.

Dr Sabapathy S and Professor Anup K Ghosh, two material scientists in IIT Delhi, have developed the Celligo BioSAP, an all-natural insert for sanitary pads that are super-absorbent and eco-friendly.

Interesting Data Point

The road to sustainability is to be traveled on the vehicle of collective. Macro efforts need to synchronize with community initiated micro efforts. In Kanthalloor in Kerala, twenty-five farmers from indigenous communities are sowing millets with renewed vigor as an initiative of Lenovo offers to make millets cultivation a profitable venture for them. Lenovo has set up the Lenovo Digital Center for Kanthalloor Millets at the IHRD college of Applied Science in Kanthalloor, where students will help farmers use technology to enhance their profits.