VillgroMercedes-Benz

CTI 1.0 / ACCELERATION

Banofi

Banofi is a material innovation company, developing plant-based leather made from banana crop waste directly sourced from smallholder farmers in West Bengal.

Focus sectors

  • Waste-to-Value
  • Alternative material

Key Challenges and Learnings

Long Validation Cycles

Expansion into new sectors requires distinct and often prolonged validation processes, slowing market entry and delaying commercialization in certain segments

Jinali Mody
Jinali ModyFounder

Impact Created

Collected and upcycled 21,800 kilograms of organic waste in under five months.

Conserved 13,000 liters of water through an efficient manufacturing process.

Supporting over 100 farmers.

Large volumes of banana crop waste in India are underutilized, while the leather industry remains resource-intensive and environmentally damaging. Banofi addresses this gap by converting banana crop waste sourced from smallholder farmers in West Bengal into plant-based leather, offering a sustainable material alternative while creating additional farm income.

News Mentions

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I apply?

To apply, fill out the application form available on this site, detailing your motivation, solution, and team setup. Applications are open until 15th November 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews with the organizing team.

2. Who can apply?

Early-stage enterprises working in the focus areas and criteria mentioned above are encouraged to apply. Enterprises in the early commercialization stage will be considered for the incubation program, while those with commercialized products and consistent sales will be considered for the acceleration program.

3. How long is the program?

The program will support selected enterprises for 12 months.

4. Will you take equity in our company?

No, the program will not take any equity in the enterprises it supports. Funding will be provided solely on a grant basis.

5. Where will the program take place?

The program will be conducted virtually, with occasional visits and meet-ups primarily in Bangalore.

6. What happens after I submit my application?

Applications are reviewed by our programme experts. Shortlisted startups will be invited for further discussions and evaluation before the final cohort is selected. Applicants will be notified of their application status at each stage of the process.

7. My question is not answered here. What should I do?

Feel free to email us at climatetechincubation@villgro.org, and we’ll respond to your query within 72 hours.