Overview The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) , in collaboration with the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC), IIT Kanpur , launched the second cohort of startups focused on sanitation and waste-management. This initiative, announced at the Swachhata Startup Conclave on 24th November 2025 in New Delhi, aims to further the goals of the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban by supporting innovative, tech-driven solutions. Key Developments Launch of Second Cohort The Minister of State, MoHUA, Shri Tokhan Sahu , launched the second cohort of startups for Swachhata. This cohort includes 32 clean-tech startups selected to contribute to the sanitation and waste management sector. Impact of First Cohort The first cohort, incubated by IIT Kanpur , comprised 20 startups . These startups achieved a combined valuation of ₹500 crore . They created employment for over 2000 professionals . Government Vision Shri Tokhan Sahu, MoS, MoHUA , emphasized the transformation of waste management from conventional practices to tech-driven solutions under the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban . He highlighted the Ministry’s vision to create a national exchange platform that connects startups, urban local bodies, investors, and other stakeholders to facilitate the deployment of homegrown solutions at scale. Startup Ecosystem Growth India is ranked third globally in terms of startups and has over 100 unicorns . Over 5,000 waste-management startups have been onboarded by the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) . Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban Launched in 2014 , the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban has reshaped India’s urban sanitation ecosystem. The second phase, SBM-U 2.0 , focuses on accelerating the shift to garbage-free cities through waste segregation, recycling, and circular economy solutions. Swachhata Startup Challenge The Swachhata Startup Challenge was conducted in 2022 to strengthen the waste-management startup ecosystem. The challenge received over 230 applications in Cohort 1. 30 startups were selected for techno-financial handholding, resulting in significant revenue and funding growth. The application process for Cohort 2 in 2024 received over 400 applications , leading to the onboarding of 32 startups . Impact and Outcomes Startups in Cohort 1 have treated over 300 lakh liters of wastewater . They have managed over 63,000 MT of waste and cleared 15,000 MT of street garbage . They have processed 200 MT of biodegradable waste . UPSC Relevance This initiative is relevant to GS2 (Government Policies & Interventions) and GS3 (Environmental Conservation, Infrastructure) . It highlights the government's efforts to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the waste management sector, contributing to sustainable urban development and the goals of the Swachh Bharat Mission. Important Facts MoHUA is the nodal ministry for the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban. IIT Kanpur's SIIC plays a crucial role in incubating and mentoring startups in this sector. The Swachhata Startup Challenge is a key platform for identifying and supporting innovative solutions. SBM-U 2.0 emphasizes waste segregation, recycling, and circular economy solutions. The initiative aligns with the vision of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat by promoting locally developed technologies.