Group Legrand India, in partnership with Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Lonere, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, and the Government of Maharashtra, has launched the HiiVE Legrand Innovation Challenge to develop alternatives to single-use plastic packaging.
The challenge will be implemented by IICARE Foundation and Environmental Forum of India and will bring together students, researchers, start-ups and innovators to develop sustainable packaging solutions that can be scaled and commercialised.
The initiative is part of Legrand India’s CSR programme and is focused on developing a Made-in-India alternative to single-use plastic that is more than 90% biodegradable. The programme also aims to encourage wider adoption of sustainable packaging and support behavioural changes related to plastic use.
The launch also marked the introduction of HiiVE, or High Impact & Innovations Venture Ecosystem, which is designed to connect government, universities, industry and innovators. Legrand will serve as the industrial anchor for the initiative.
A Joint Declaration of Cooperation was signed by Group Legrand India, IICARE Foundation, Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University and Shivaji University. The declaration provides a framework for collaboration in research, innovation, incubation and commercialisation.
Tony Berland, CEO & MD, Group Legrand India, said the initiative would combine industry knowledge with academic research and entrepreneurship. “At Legrand, sustainability is embedded in our purpose and in the way we innovate.
Through the HiiVE Legrand Innovation Challenge, we aim to bring together industry expertise, academic research and entrepreneurial thinking to develop practical and scalable alternatives to single-use plastics. This initiative reflects our commitment to improving lives while advancing our sustainability goals,” he said.
Dr Santosh Bhosale, Joint Secretary to the Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra, said collaboration between universities, research institutions, government and industry could help develop solutions that move from research to commercial applications.
The launch included a presentation by Legrand’s R&D team on the company’s sustainability priorities and packaging initiatives. An interactive consultation with vice chancellors, academic leaders and ecosystem partners followed, with discussions covering industry-academia partnerships, research commercialisation and scaling of new technologies.
Participants included Dr Apoorva Palkar, Vice Chancellor, Ratan Tata Maharashtra State Skills University; Prof Ravindra Kulkarni, Vice Chancellor, University of Mumbai; Prof Sunil Bhirud, Vice Chancellor, COEP Technological University; and Prof RK Kamat, Vice Chancellor, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Lonere.
News Courtesy : themachinemaker