Call for Applications: NatureTech for Bharat

Objectives of the NatureTech

• The primary objective of the contest is to acknowledge and promote outstanding contributions made by various entities towards the betterment of society and the environment.
• This contest seeks to:
  • Promote Innovation & Technology in the Natural Resource Management & Nature Based Solutions.
  • Enable Integration of new solutions & technologies in the CSR Activities.
  • Bridge the Gap between the Startup Community & CSR Ecosystem.

Problem Statement of Thematic Areas

• Ecosystem Restoration and Conservation
  • They invite you to share your existing solutions that have proven effective in large-scale reforestation and afforestation, enhancing biodiversity, stabilising soil, and improving water quality. Additionally, they seek solutions for wetland restoration and the maintenance and protection of protected areas and reserves that ensure the conservation of biodiversity hotspots. They are looking for innovative and scalable technologies or methods that can be adapted to various climates and regions, demonstrating tangible results across different environmental contexts.
  • Solutions may include advanced techniques for large-scale reforestation and afforestation, such as drone-based seed dispersal, AI-based planning tools for optimal tree placement, and smart irrigation systems to support young trees. For wetland restoration, methods might involve reestablishing natural water flow patterns, managing water levels with advanced monitoring systems, and employing natural filtration systems, bio-remediation techniques, and constructed wetlands to improve water quality and biodiversity. Technologies for the maintenance and protection of protected areas and reserves could include advanced monitoring systems using drones, remote sensing, and GIS for tracking wildlife movements and habitat health. Additionally, habitat restoration techniques, such as reforestation, invasive species management, and the reintroduction of native species, are crucial. Solutions that leverage GIS and remote sensing for planning and monitoring ecosystem health are also valuable.
• Renewable Energy and Waste-to-Energy Solutions
  • They invite you to provide your existing renewable energy systems, including solar, wind, and biomass, as well as waste-to-energy technologies that have successfully reduced carbon emissions and enhanced energy sustainability. They seek scalable solutions that can be applied in various settings, minimising landfill use and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Solutions may include advanced solar power systems for residential, commercial, and industrial applications, including rooftop solar panels, solar farms, and solar water heaters. Wind energy solutions such as small-scale wind turbines for rural areas and large-scale wind farms for grid energy supply are also of interest. Additionally, they welcome biomass energy systems that convert organic waste into renewable energy through processes like anaerobic digestion and gasification. Waste-to-energy technologies, including incineration with energy recovery systems and pyrolysis, are crucial for transforming waste into useful energy while minimising emissions. Hybrid renewable energy systems that combine multiple sources, such as solar and wind, to provide reliable and continuous power are also encouraged. Community-driven renewable energy and waste-to-energy projects that involve local stakeholders in planning, installation, and maintenance, as well as educational programs to promote these technologies, are highly encouraged. Solutions that use smart grid technology to integrate renewable energy into existing power networks and enhance energy management are valuable.
• Sustainable Agriculture
  • They invite you to share your existing solutions that have proven effective in improving soil health, enhancing crop resilience, promoting sustainable farming practices, and integrating tree planting with crop cultivation to increase biodiversity. They are looking for innovations that can be scaled or adapted to different agricultural settings and adopted by farmers in diverse regions.
  • Below are some suggestive areas, but submissions are not restricted to these: Solutions may include advanced soil health improvement techniques, such as cover crops, organic amendments, and biochar to enhance soil fertility and structure. Innovations in crop resilience, including drought-tolerant and pest-resistant varieties, integrated pest management (IPM) systems, and precision agriculture technologies that optimise resource use, are of interest. They also welcome sustainable farming practices incorporating agroecology principles, such as crop rotation, polycultures, and integrated agroforestry systems that combine various tree species with crops and livestock to enhance soil fertility, control erosion, and increase productivity. Additionally, solutions utilising GIS and remote sensing for optimal tree-crop arrangement and real-time monitoring of soil and plant health are valuable. Practices involving fruit and nut trees within agroforestry systems to diversify farmer income, cover crops, mulching, and composting to maintain soil moisture and reduce chemical inputs are crucial. Technologies that support efficient water use, such as drip irrigation, soil moisture sensors, and rainwater harvesting systems, along with digital platforms providing real-time data and recommendations, are also highly encouraged.
• Water Management – Water Conservation Techniques
  • They invite you to present your existing technologies or methods that efficiently conserve water, purify water sources, implement sustainable irrigation, or protect watersheds. They seek solutions that have demonstrated success in various contexts and can address water management challenges effectively
  • Below are some suggestive areas, but submissions are not restricted to these: Solutions may include advanced rainwater harvesting systems, IoT-based water level monitoring, automated groundwater recharge systems, and community-driven rainwater collection methods. Sustainable irrigation techniques such as precision drip irrigation, automated sprinkler systems, smart irrigation controllers using AI, and soil moisture sensors for real-time irrigation adjustments are also of interest. Additionally, they welcome advanced water purification and filtration systems, including solar-powered water purifiers, microbial or biological filtration methods, and portable water purification units for rural or disaster-stricken areas. For watershed protection and management, GIS-based watershed mapping, remote sensing for health monitoring, community-led conservation programs, and technologies for preventing soil erosion and sedimentation are key areas. Furthermore, they seek solutions for waterbody rejuvenation, such as automated garbage clearance systems, robotic de-weeding solutions, desilting technologies, and community engagement platforms for maintaining water quality and biodiversity in lakes, ponds, and rivers.
• Urban Resilience
  • They invite you to highlight your existing urban planning solutions that integrate green spaces, reduce urban heat islands, enhance biodiversity, and improve air quality. They are looking for solutions that have successfully transformed urban areas and can serve as models for other cities.
  • Below are some suggestive areas, but submissions are not restricted to these: Solutions may include green roofs that provide insulation, reduce energy consumption, and create habitats for urban wildlife. Urban parks and green corridors can enhance community spaces, improve air quality, and support biodiversity. Innovative stormwater management systems like permeable pavements, rain gardens, and bioswales can reduce runoff and improve water quality. Reflective and cool roofing materials, along with urban greening initiatives such as tree planting and green walls, can reduce heat absorption and improve air quality. Water features like fountains and ponds can lower temperatures through evaporative cooling. Technologies using GIS and remote sensing to identify heat island hotspots and monitor cooling interventions are also valuable. Integrating these elements enhances urban resilience and quality of life.
• Green Supply Chain Management
  • They invite you to share your existing solutions that have proven effective in making supply chains more environmentally sustainable. They seek innovative and scalable technologies or methods that can reduce carbon emissions, minimise waste, enhance resource efficiency, and promote the use of renewable energy within supply chain operations. Solutions should demonstrate tangible results in various contexts and be adaptable to different industries and regions.
  • Solutions may include advanced logistics optimisation techniques that reduce fuel consumption and emissions, such as route optimisation software and eco-friendly transportation options. Methods for minimising waste through improved packaging solutions, recycling programs, and circular economy practices are also of interest. Technologies that enhance resource efficiency, such as IoT-based inventory management systems, smart warehousing solutions, and energy-efficient manufacturing processes, are valuable. Additionally, they seek solutions that integrate renewable energy sources into supply chain operations, such as solar-powered logistics hubs and electric vehicle fleets. Solutions that use data analytics and AI for real-time monitoring and optimisation of supply chain sustainability metrics are highly encouraged.

What’s in it for Startups/Organisations?

• Direct Access to the India CSR and ESG Summit 2024
• Spotlight Presentation at the India CSR and ESG Summit 2024
• Equity Funding Discussions
• Social Media and Promotional Support
• Exhibition & Display Space at the India CSR and ESG Summit 2024
• Business Opportunities with CSRBOX
• Recognition and Certification

Eligibility Criteria

• All kinds of organisations/startups both for-profit and nonprofit, are eligible to apply.
• Startups that are at earlier stages of development are not eligible.
• They are looking for solutions that integrate technology into nature-based solutions.
• There are no geographical restrictions; solutions from all regions across India are welcome.
• They are accepting applications only from startups and organisations that have scalable solutions ready for implementation beyond the prototype stage.

For more information, visit CSRBOX.