On the occasion of World Water Day, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) announced its partnership with the Government of India initiatives, Invest India, Startup India and AGNIi to unveil the ‘Grand Water Saving Challenge’. The Challenge aims to address the need for an efficient flush system in public toilets to ensure optimum usage of water and a clean and hygienic toilet.
The national challenge has been catalysed by the ‘Healthy Cities and Communities’ initiative by the World Economic Forum that aims to improve people’s well-being by enabling them to live longer and fuller lives in their local environments. The initiative prioritises water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) as a key pillar of physical and mental well-being thus ensuring holistic positive change in communities.
In collaboration with the Toilet Board Coalition (TBC), the national challenge is inviting start-ups, technologists, R&D labs, incubators, independent inventors, and youth to participate and make a difference with their innovative solutions. Participants can submit their entries via Startup India hub free of cost.
The winners of the challenge will receive a cash prize of INR 5 Lakh in addition to an opportunity to install and pilot their invention at one of the Suvidha centres, community hygiene centres conceptualized by HUL in Mumbai.
Commenting on the initiative, Sanjiv Mehta, Chairman and MD, Hindustan Unilever Limited said, “With natural resources such as water, depleting with each passing day, there is an urgent need to strike a balance between thorough sanitation and optimum water conservation. As a part of our Compass strategy, we aim to protect and regenerate nature, therefore, we are happy to support and collaborate with innovators across the country in finding unique solutions for the challenges surrounding water conservation and sanitation, and further support the Sustainable Development Goals and PM’s Swachh Bharat Mission.”
Deepak Bagla, MD & CEO, Invest India said, “This challenge comes at an opportune time, as India is working at unprecedented speed to accomplish the SDGs, especially in water conservation, sanitation & healthy living. Through Startup India we are committed to fostering a culture of innovation aimed at creating lasting socio-economic impact. We commend Hindustan Unilever in this mission to make sustainable living a commonplace through various measures”.
