Focus sectors
- Critical Minerals Extraction
- Battery Waste Management
Key Challenges and Learnings
Battery Waste Supply
The enterprise has expanded to Level 3 traders, comprising localized and unorganized aggregators, but has yet to onboard Level 4 traders, which are organized and established players. The absence of these partnerships may constrain scaling due to their control over material flows and supply chain concentration.
Risk of Informal Sector Undercutting
Operating at the pre-processing stage of battery recycling requires constant engagement with informal players, increasing exposure to price undercutting or crowding-in effects, particularly during periods of market volatility or failure.
Impact Created
Processed over 300 metric tons of battery waste between June and December 2025.
Achieved an estimated carbon savings of approximately 560 metric tons through improved recovery and recycling.
Rising demand for critical minerals such as cobalt, lithium, and nickel is increasing India’s dependence on imports, while most end-of-life batteries are landfilled and domestic battery waste processing capacity lags far behind waste generation. Shoonya addresses this gap through a tech-enabled marketplace for battery waste trading with commodity prices benchmarked to the London Metal Exchange and a semi-automated material detection system using X-ray refraction, improving pre-processing efficiency and formalizing the recycling process.
News Mentions
Apply now to Climate Tech Incubator 2.0
Apply nowFrequently 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.