♻️ Inside the business of “waste”

Start Your Day with YS Buzz: Your 8 AM Snapshot of Today's Top Startup News! 19 February 2024 [View in Browser]( TOGETHER WITH Hello, Zepto has a new loyalty programme. Called the [Zepto Pass]( this will enable members to get unlimited free deliveries for orders above Rs 99 with additional discounts on larger orders. Also, amid the Paytm row, Union Minister [Rajeev Chandrasekhar]( said the RBI’s action has drawn the attention of fintech firms to the importance of complying with laws. He stressed that regulatory compliance cannot be "optional" for companies; it is an aspect every entrepreneur must pay full attention to. Elsewhere, [FPIs]( adopted a cautious approach offloading Indian equities worth close to Rs 3,776 crore so far this month owing to a spike in the US bond yields and uncertainty over the interest rate environment on the domestic and the global front. [ICYMI:]( NASA wants volunteers for Mars simulation project. If you have a background in STEM and are a braveheart, this is your chance to experience that space life, albeit “remotely”... In today’s newsletter, we will talk about - Cashing in on the ‘trash’ opportunity - Inside Meghalaya’s startup ecosystem Here’s your trivia for today: What is the capital city of Mongolia? --------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------- In-depth Cashing in on the ‘trash’ opportunity India, waste is more than a problem—it’s a billion-dollar opportunity. But behind the scenes, startups face a different challenge. The country currently generates around 62 million tonnes of waste overall, of which only 30% of the recyclable waste is recycled, a Mordor Intelligence report says, and a majority of it is done by unorganised factions that almost operate as monopolies with little tolerance for intrusion from others. Woes: - Despite being a major contributor to India’s pollution woes, the waste management sector raised merely $12 million in 2023 across four deals, as per YourStory data. The climate tech sector, overall, raised $1.2 billion. - At the bottom of the hierarchy are scrap dealers who employ waste pickers. There’s usually an understanding between the scrap dealers and the private contractors to protect each other’s interests so they can monopolise business in the area. - A handful of startups YourStory spoke to did report receiving support from local civic bodies and administrative officers, especially, if they could demonstrate strong tech-led solutions. [Read More]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Satellite-based Crop Health Monitoring System Farmonaut distinguishes itself in agricultural technology with innovative features empowering farmers and agri-businesses. Automation, its key highlight, ensures timely satellite data delivery every 4-5 days throughout the crop cycle, providing up-to-date insights. Notably, Farmonaut excels in effortless data management for multiple farms, allowing users seamless access, download, and sharing options. - With access to 18 satellite parameters, the system guarantees unparalleled accuracy for monitoring crop health and soil conditions. - Farmonaut offers multilingual support in 50+ languages, ensuring global accessibility for farmers. - Its latest feature enables farmers to map their farms via WhatsApp in just two minutes and receive detailed reports in seconds, eliminating the need for additional apps. This fast, versatile, and inclusive platform is revolutionising modern agriculture. Visit [website]( to know more. Want to be featured in front of 1 million+ decision-makers? [Click here](. --------------------------------------------------------------- Interview Inside Meghalaya’s startup ecosystem Chief Minister Conrad Sangma launched the CM-ELEVATE programme last year with a focus on empowering, engaging, and employing the youth of Meghalaya through the promotion of entrepreneurship, and received more than 29,000 applications within two months. In an exclusive conversation with YourStory, the Minister speaks about the state’s multi-pronged approach to encouraging entrepreneurship and the role of women and self-help groups in the ecosystem. Field day: - The launch of PRIME—Promotion and Incubation of Market Driven Enterprises—in 2019 has given a huge fillip to entrepreneurship in the state. Through its four cohorts, PRIME has incubated 240 entrepreneurs. - When it comes to small entrepreneurs and self-help groups, we are seeing a lot of responses from rural women, the CM says. - If you go towards Jaintia Hills, you must visit Laskein Block, where we have 15 women’s SHGs who have been funded for solar-powered turmeric processing units, and they are doing exceptionally well, he adds. [Read More]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Namaste Doston, TechSparks ki duniya mein aapka phir se swagat hai! TechSparks, YourStory's flagship event, is set for its exciting return to Mumbai at the Grand Hyatt on February 29 and March 1, 2024. It's more than just a conference; it's a hub for the brightest minds in startups and tech. Here, you'll have the chance to engage with India's top investors and business innovators. Whether you're looking to pitch your ideas, seek funding, or form new partnerships, TechSparks is the place to be. This event is an incredible opportunity for networking with a select group of motivated individuals and leaders. It's a platform to share ideas, learn from industry pioneers, and contribute to shaping the future of tech in India. [Get Your Passes Today!]( --------------------------------------------------------------- News & Updates - [Fines:]( The European Union is set to fine Apple about 500 million euros ($539 million) over alleged breaches of EU competition law, the Financial Times reported on Sunday. The fine is expected to be announced early next month. - [Slumps:]( Foreign businesses’ direct investment into China last year increased by the lowest amount since the early 1990s as Beijing seeks more overseas investment to help its economy. China’s direct investment liabilities in its balance of payments rose by $33 billion last year, 82% down on 2022. - [Win:]( India set England a huge target and then skittled the tourists out for 122 to romp to a 434-run victory in the third test and go 2-1 up in the five-match series on Sunday. What you should watch out for - [Wall Street:]( Wednesday's (February 21) earnings report from chipmaker Nvidia could prove a gut check for one of the market’s hottest names and for the AI fever that has helped power gains for US stocks in recent months. - [IPOs:]( In the mainboard segment, Juniper Hotels IPO opens for subscription on February 21, and GPT Healthcare IPO on February 22, 2024. In the SME segment, Zenith Drugs IPO will open for bidding on February 19, among others. - Next in the award season is the [Bafta Awards]( on February 19. Did you know? What is the capital city of Mongolia? Answer: Ulaanbaatar. We would love to hear from you! 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