Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Goyal Launches 'Startup Search Initiative' for Plastic Industry Innovation
India's minister for commerce and industry, Piyush Goyal, started a new program called the 'Startup Search Initiative'.
This program helps new businesses in the plastic industry come up with smart and eco-friendly ideas.
It's like a competition to find the best new ways to reuse and recycle all the plastic in India.
The goal is to make sure India uses less plastic waste and creates greener products, which is good for the planet and meets what people around the world want.
The program connects these new businesses with people who can give them money and advice.
The best ideas will even get to show off their work at a big plastic event called PLASTINDIA 2026.
This helps the government make business easier and encourages people to invent new things.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal launched the 'Startup Search Initiative' to foster innovation and sustainability in the plastics sector.
The initiative, a collaboration between IIM Calcutta Innovation Park and PlastIndia Foundation, aims to achieve 100% reuse and recycling of plastics in India.
Piyush Goyal reiterated the government's commitment to strengthening India's deep-tech ecosystem, improving business ease, and reducing compliance burdens.
The program will connect startups with investors and industry leaders, focusing on solutions for recycling, new materials, sustainability, and the circular economy.
Top startups will receive over Rs 2 lakh in prize money and mentorship, with opportunities to showcase at the PLASTINDIA 2026 exhibition.
- Who
- Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP), PlastIndia Foundation, and promising innovators/entrepreneurs in the plastics sector
- What
- Launched the 'Startup Search Initiative' to boost innovation and sustainability in the plastics sector, aiming for 100% reuse and recycling of plastics.
- When
- Monday
- Where
- New Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai (launch event)
- Why
- To support India's national sustainability goals, meet global demand for circular products, strengthen the deep-tech ecosystem, and encourage breakthrough ideas in the plastics industry.
Government Stance
Industry Perspective
Focus of the Initiative
Government Stance
The government, represented by Minister Piyush Goyal, emphasizes strengthening the deep-tech ecosystem, improving ease of doing business, reducing compliance burdens, and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. The initiative directly supports national sustainability goals.
Industry Perspective
The PlastIndia Foundation, through its President Ravish Kamath, highlights the collaboration with IIM Calcutta to identify high-potential startups and encourage breakthrough ideas to transform the plastics industry, with a focus on practical application and innovation within the sector.
Goals for the Plastics Sector
Government Stance
The government's aim is to ensure 100% reuse and recycling of plastics, aligning with national sustainability goals and meeting global demand for circular and environmentally responsible products.
Industry Perspective
The initiative aims to help the plastics industry take a decisive leap towards new technologies and greener practices, with an emphasis on solutions related to recycling, new materials, sustainability, and the circular economy.
- Initiative Name
- Startup Search Initiative
- Launch Date
- Monday
- Organizers
- IIM Calcutta Innovation Park (IIMCIP) and PlastIndia Foundation
- Focus Areas
- Recycling, new materials, sustainability, circular economy
- Prize for Top Startups
- Over Rs 2 lakh each and exclusive mentorship
- Showcase Platform
- PLASTINDIA 2026 exhibition in New Delhi
- Government Commitment
- Strengthening deep-tech and innovation ecosystem, improving ease of doing business, reducing compliance burdens, promoting entrepreneurship
