Sanitation Innovation Challenge 2025 | Funding for Startups & Researchers

Sanitation Innovation Challenge 2025 | Funding for Startups & Researchers | Grand Challenges India

Funding up to ₹60 Lakh

Transformative
Sanitation Technologies

Funding opportunity on

The Development of Transformative Sanitation Technologies (TST) for Indian Household and Community Settings

A Grand Challenges India Initiative by,

Jointly funded by

to reimagine sanitation for a resilient, water-secure India.

The Challenge

Reimagining Sanitation for India's Future

India has made remarkable progress in sanitation under the Swachh Bharat Mission, with the construction of over 100 million household toilets to eliminate open defecation — one of the world's largest public health achievements. Given the limited sewer connectivity and diverse geographical and infrastructural challenges, this progress has largely been built on onsite sanitation systems such as septic tanks and leach pits, ensuring dignity, health, and safety for millions.

Building on this foundation, the Transformative Sanitation Technologies (TST) Challenge now looks ahead to pioneer next-generation, off-grid solutions that are future-ready, affordable, and environmentally sound. With the rapid growth of onsite systems, the moment is ripe to reimagine sanitation technologies that safeguard groundwater, enable resource recovery, and serve the diverse needs of households and communities across India, strengthening resilience for a Viksit Bharat.

What we're looking for

The Next Generation of Sanitation Solutions

We are inviting proposals to develop closed-loop transformative sanitation technologies that:

Operate off-grid (no sewer infrastructure needed)
Ensure pathogen-free treatment
Use minimal water and enable water recycling
Are compact, affordable, and scalable
Are built for India's urban, rural, and climate-vulnerable contexts
Align with global standards (ISO 30500, environmental norms)

The TST Challenge seeks next-generation, decentralised solutions that are safe, sustainable, and future-ready.

Innovation tracks

Innovation Pathways Building India’s Sanitation Future

Household Black Water TST

Compact in-washroom technology for faecal waste treatment and recycling.

Household Grey + Black Water TST

Complete household waste/used water treatment with reuse options.

Community Grey + Black Water TST

Complete solution: Front-end toilets + backend treatment system

Retrofit solution: Decentralised, compact treatment systems are retrofitted to existing schools, hospitals, and public facilities.

Core features expected

Off-grid, pathogen-free, water-efficient, compact.
Closed-loop, resource-recovering, digitally enabled.
Designed for Indian conditions but globally relevant.

Eligibility

Building India-led sanitation solutions for global impact

The TST Challenge prioritises domestic manufacture, local skill development and India-led deployment — backing home-grown technologies, supply chains and service partners that can be manufactured, certified and scaled within India and beyond.

This programme builds India's capacity to translate research into impact, driving technologically sound and scalable sanitation solutions that align with national priorities like Make in India, Skill India, Swachh Bharat Mission and more.

Who can apply?

Open to Indian-led entities, including:

Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)

Academic & research institutions — Indian universities, colleges and public R&D bodies with NAAC / UGC / AICTE (or equivalent) recognition
Societies, trusts, NGOs, foundations, associations — registered under Indian law with ≥50% Indian stakeholders
Government agencies / public bodies — central, state or local institutions operating in India
Companies / Start-ups — incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013; minimum 51% Indian ownership

Partnerships with international or sectoral experts are encouraged, but the project must be led by an Indian organisation. 100% of grant funds are disbursed to Indian entities (INR). Preference for proposals that show credible co-financing and a clear path to scale — through local manufacturing, service partnerships and regulatory readiness.

Why Apply

Innovate for India. Scale for the World

Unlock support — access up to ₹60 lakh in milestone-based funding plus expert mentorship to accelerate your innovation journey
Turn vision into reality — pilot, prove, and scale your technology with clear pathways to commercialisation and market adoption
Set global benchmarks — develop ISO 30500–aligned solutions that showcase India’s leadership on the world stage

Lead the change — pioneer breakthrough sanitation solutions that protect health, restore dignity, and set new standards for sustainability
Advance national priorities — strengthen India’s R&D and innovation ecosystem, powering Make in India, Skill India, Swachh Bharat Mission, and the National Health Mission while building a safer, more inclusive, and climate-resilient future