In a major Indian maritime green technology innovation development, the deep-tech climate startup, Neiox Eco Cycle, headquartered in Kerala, has been able to obtain a prototyping grant of ₹75 lakh from Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL). This grant was secured through CSL specific USHUS Maritime Innovation Scheme, and it is a major milestone towards the creation of revolutionary clean technology that is beneficial to the global shipping sector. The grant is the necessary financial contribution to the further promotion of a unique innovation that will help in the most significant issues in climate action, population health, and sustainable industrial transformation.

Innovation and leadership in sustainable technology

The work of Neiox Eco Cycle is associated with three key areas, including climate action, innovation in the field of public health, and sustainable industrial transformation. The Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) is actively recognising the company and is supporting it with two large technology and innovation incubators: TBI NIT Calicut and LIVE IIM Kozhikode.

The ₹75 lakh grant is directed towards the development of an innovative material, the first non-toxic, sustainable, and carbon-negative marine hull coating in the world. This is the main innovation trained by Neiox Eco Cycle. This innovative material is developed with peripheral anti-corrosive and anti-biofouling characteristics, which are vital in safeguarding the hull of ships against wear and growth.

The source material is what makes this coating unique. It is based on the air pollutants that are captured, which is a successful conversion of what would have been a liability to the environment and health into an economic asset. The company reports that such air pollutants that are captured would have caused severe health conditions among the population, including lung damage and heart ailments.

Innovation in Neiox, therefore, transforms an element that is harmful to the climate and health into an asset that will improve the fuel efficiency of a ship, lower carbon dioxide emissions, and also safeguard marine life at the same time. The company positions this as a Kerala model in the world canvas, a pioneer in sustainable technology.

Cheque handover and participants in the event

The cheque handover and the official agreement of the ₹75 lakh grant happened at an event at IIM-Kozhikode. Neiox Eco Cycle is a startup founded by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Akhil Raj Pottekkat. The innovation will improve the fuel efficiency of ships, cut down carbon dioxide emissions and save marine life, and turn climate and health liability into an asset.

The partnership between the Cochin Shipyard and the climate tech startup was formalized at the event attended by some of the key dignitaries. There were Dr. Ashutosh Sarkar, Executive Director of IIM Kozhikode; KR Anjana, Chief General Manager (Design) of CSL; Senior Manager Krishna Prasad S of CSL; and Lijo P Jose, Senior Manager of LIVE IIM Kozhikode. The involvement of these officials at CSL and IIM Kozhikode highlights the institutional support and significance of the USHUS Maritime Innovation Scheme.

Pottekkat said, “Neiox’s activities are based on the belief that the world’s greatest environmental and health liabilities can be transformed into economic assets. Our collaboration with CSL reflects Kerala’s leadership in sustainable maritime innovation and our shared mission to build cleaner industries and healthier communities.”

Quotation Source: Business Standard  

Conclusion

Under the USHUS Maritime Innovation Scheme, the deep-tech climate startup, Neiox Eco Cycle, has been awarded an essential ₹75 lakh prototyping award by Cochin Shipyard Ltd. This investment is dedicated to the creation of the first sustainable, non-toxic, and carbon-negative marine coating of the hull, which cleverly recycles air pollutants captured in the air. This grant, supported by the KSUM, TBI NIT Calicut, and LIVE IIM Kozhikode, and currently supported by CSL, does not simply legitimize the purpose of Neiox Eco Cycle, but it also ensures that Kerala is recognized as one of the most diverse domains of sustainable and innovative maritime practices on a global scale.