Technology Development Board (TDB), a statutory body by Government of India that provides financial assistance to Indian industrial concerns and other agencies, has announced in early this month that it is collaborating with Aloe Ecell Pvt. Ltd., an innovative startup rooted in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, to commercialize Eco-friendly-1.5V AA size Aloe Vera-based batteries.
Of the startup's Aloe-Vera batteries project valued at Rs. 2.98 crores, TDB will contribute Rs. 1.91 crores as a soft loan to Aloe Ecell amplifying the startup's project's potential to drive eco-friendly innovation to new heights.
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| Aloe Ecell Partners with Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science & Technology for the commercialization of eco-friendly batteries. |
The Lucknow-based startup’s ingenious approach entails the creation of an eco-friendly 1.5V AA size battery, which may help in departure from conventional counterparts laden with heavy metals and toxic chemicals. Leveraging the inherent properties of Aloe-Vera, Aloe Ecell has formulated an electrolyte that not only matches the performance of established market standards but also champions environmental responsibility.
According to a 2018 research, Aloe-Vera contains acid, which has the potential to generate electric current. While an experiment by a Malaysian university researchers revealed that the electrical energy harvested from the Aloe Vera under a specific setup condition can produce an output of 3.49 V and 1.1 mA.
The Aloe Ecell's Aloe-vera battery is NABL (IS 8144:2018) certified primary non-rechargeable battery available in AA and AAA sizes. It has been created as a safer alternative to traditional hazardous dry-cell batteries.
Additionally, the Aloe Vera Battery is carbon negative, as the Aloe Vera plants used in the production of the gel electrolyte actively capture and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This helps offset the emissions associated with the battery's production, transportation, and disposal.
Moreover, the use of eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes further reduces the battery's carbon footprint.
The startup will create facilities for commercial production of primary batteries in Bundi, Rajasthan.
Mr. Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB, emphasized, "Our collaboration with Aloe ECell Pvt. Ltd. epitomizes TDB's commitment to support sustainable innovation. This partnership signifies our dedication to supporting visionary projects that blend technological advancement with environmental stewardship. As the startup forges ahead bolstered by TDB's steadfast support, it exemplifies the capability of government-industry collaboration in shaping a more sustainable and prosperous future for our nation."
Last month, TDB committed financial support of ₹ 3.81 to Bengaluru-based hardware startup TIEA Connectors Pvt Ltd. Prior to that, TBD had pledged support of ₹3.94 Crores to Pune-based Noccarc for its indigenously developed technology innovation — A Digitally Enabled Advanced Universal ICU Ventilators.
The collaboration of the TDB with Aloe Ecell is in consonance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary initiative, 'Mission LiFE' (Lifestyle for Environment).
The core objective of the project harmonizes seamlessly with 'Mission LiFE's' ethos – to introduce lifestyle choices in harmony with ecological well-being. By spearheading the cause of eco-friendly primary batteries, Aloe ECell may contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment while addressing longstanding concerns tied to the toxic composition in conventional batteries.
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