Bengaluru Aims to Become India’s ‘Water Startup Capital’; BWSSB Opens PoC Access to Innovation Companies
Bengaluru: In a pioneering move to position Bengaluru as India’s ‘Water Startup Capital’, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has announced that it will now allow water-tech startups to implement Proof of Concept (PoC) projects within its sewage treatment plants (STPs).
BWSSB Chairman Dr. Ram Prasath Manohar said this initiative is the first of its kind in the country, enabling startups to test innovative water-reuse and treatment technologies in real-world utility environments.
He was speaking after inaugurating the operational launch of equipment installed by a private company, the first startup selected for PoC implementation at the Kadubeesanahalli STP.
Open Invitation to Water Startups
“We are working with the vision of making Bengaluru the Water Startup Capital of India. We have already offered PoC access to the first startup. Going forward, any startup interested in water management, reuse technologies, sustainability solutions, or advanced treatment systems will be allowed to pilot their PoC in BWSSB facilities,” Dr. Manohar said.
A First in the Country
This collaboration marks the first time a government water utility in India has opened its operational STP infrastructure for private innovators to demonstrate live, on-ground water-recycling technology.
Under the project, the Kadubeesanahalli STP will supply treated wastewater to a private company, which will use an 11-stage purification system to further refine the water to near-potable quality.
The startup’s plant will produce 70,000 litres per day of high-quality recycled water.
Intended Users
• Industries and commercial establishments around the Outer Ring Road (ORR), especially for cooling tower operations.
Environmental Benefits
• Reduces demand for fresh water
• Prevents excess treated water from being discharged into lakes
• Supports sustainable circular-water economy
Funding and Operating Model
BWSSB will not invest capital in the project.
The entire cost of equipment and installation will be borne by startup company.
BWSSB will:
- supply the treated wastewater as raw material,
- facilitate market linkages for the sale of recycled water.
Officials said this model encourages innovation without burdening the utility with financial risk.
Senior BWSSB engineers including Chief Engineer B.S. Dalayath, Chief Engineer Parameshwar, and representatives of Boson Whitewater were present.
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: ಬೆಂಗಳೂರುಗೆ ಹೊಸ ಗುರುತು: ಜಲಮಂಡಳಿ ಎಸ್ಟಿಪಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ವಾಟರ್-ಟೆಕ್ ಸ್ಟಾರ್ಟ್ಅಪ್ಗಳಿಗೆ PoC ಅವಕಾಶ
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