VillgroMercedes-Benz

CTI 1.0 / ACCELERATION

MiniMines

MiniMines recycles critical metal salts from end-of-life batteries with its proprietary Hybrid Hydrometallurgy (HHM) technology, which replaces chemical solvents with water.

Focus sectors

  • Battery Recycling
  • Critical Mineral Extraction

Key Challenges and Learnings

Competition from International Players

Despite its differentiated technology and higher output purity, the enterprise faces intense competition from international black mass refineries that benefit from large-scale operations and effectively act as price setters in the market. These economies of scale make it challenging to price the product competitively, particularly in cost-sensitive downstream applications.

Working Capital Risk

The enterprise incurs input and processing costs upfront, while revenues are realized only upon sale of the final product. This results in a structurally risky cash flow profile, with a typical working capital cycle of approximately 45 days

Supply

The supply of battery waste remains largely informal. This limits price transparency and makes fair price discovery difficult. However, MiniMines has begun formalising its supply chain through partnerships with OEMs, including Ather, OLA Electric, TVS, River Mobility, and Greaves Mobility.

Founding team
Founding teamArvind Bhardwaj & Ajay Saini

Impact Created

1200 metric tons of battery waste diverted from landfills

Avoided 450 metric tons of carbon emissions in under 5 months

Supported 150+ livelihoods

Recovered over 183 metric tons of valuable materials

Conventional lithium-ion battery recycling methods, such as pyrometallurgy, are inefficient, carbon-intensive, and pose safety risks. MiniMines addresses these gaps with its proprietary hybrid hydrometallurgy process that replaces chemical solvents with water, achieving over 96% extraction efficiency and 99% purity while significantly reducing emissions.

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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.