Gujarat's i-Hub: From Eco-Friendly Firefighting to Superfoods for Kids

Gujarat has secured the top position in the startup rankings for the fifth consecutive time, reflecting sustained and well-planned efforts.

According to an official release from Gujarat CMO, through the Gujarat Student Startup and Innovation Hub (i-Hub), startups across the state receive financial, infrastructural, technical, intellectual property, and regulatory support, enabling them to grow and contribute to positive change in society.

Rising fire incidents have made it increasingly challenging to protect life, property, and the environment. Addressing this, Ahmedabad-based Rahul Shah and his team, through Achuk Environmental Solutions Private Limited, have developed an eco-friendly firefighting solution. With the growing use of synthetic materials like nylon and PVC, fires spread faster, leaving limited response time. In such situations, the 'Achuk' solution is more effective than conventional equipment. When mixed with water, it helps reduce carbon emissions, conserve water, and limit environmental pollution.

Founder Rahul Shah said, "Our startup received support from the Government of Gujarat from the early stages. Assistance under the Seed Startup Fund accelerated our research and development. Through incubation, we received mentorship, support for patent registration, and opportunities to participate in exhibitions. The support through i-Hub has helped our startup to grow steadily."

As per a release, with fast food becoming a regular part of daily life, the demand for healthier alternatives is rising. Addressing this, Ahmedabad's Dr Dimple Ganatra, after over two decades as a practising surgeon, founded 'HealthyGrabz' in 2022 with support from i-Hub. The startup focuses on tackling lifestyle diseases and poor nutrition among children by offering chips that retain the natural nutritional value of vegetables.

Thanking the Government of Gujarat, Dr Ganatra said, "Incubation support systems like i-Hub go beyond mentorship, offering strong networking, dealer connect, and help in addressing business challenges. Whenever we face difficulties, the right guidance is easily available, which builds confidence. The state government's encouraging approach towards women entrepreneurs is clearly visible."

Gujarat Government Support Gives Renewed Momentum to CerboTech Education StartupCerboTech Education Private Limited, based in Anand, has developed a product that combines traditional brain development methods with modern neurocognitive technology. It analyses students' mental health and helps optimise their brain training process. The startup is currently conducting research on nearly 500 students, using its devices to assess mental states and gain a clearer understanding of student well-being, a release stated.

Founder Shweta Prajapati credited the Government of Gujarat for this progress, stating, "I have seen many startups struggle due to a lack of funding and support. With a platform like i-Hub, we have received the guidance and backing needed to grow. Today, our startup is contributing to positive change in society."

To promote startups and innovation, the Gujarat Student Startup and Innovation Hub (i-Hub) was established in Ahmedabad and has emerged as a strong platform driving entrepreneurship, innovation, and employment in the state. Built at an estimated cost of around Rs 100 crore and spread across 1.5 lakh square metres, the facility can accommodate nearly 500 startups at a time. So far, i-Hub has directly supported 720 startups, with over Rs 28 crore sanctioned to 466 startups under the Startup Srujan Seed Support Scheme.

Startups incubated at i-Hub have generated nearly 4,000 skilled jobs across the state, with a combined market valuation of approximately Rs 3,569 crore, reflecting the growing strength of Gujarat's startup ecosystem, a release added.

- ANI