In a significant stride towards combating the global plastic crisis, Ukhi, a pioneering biomaterials startup, has secured $1.2 million in pre-seed funding to accelerate its mission to develop novel, biodegradable, and compostable biomaterials aimed at transforming the sustainable packaging industry.
The funding round combines equity investment led by 100Unicorns, with participation from Venture Catalysts and angel investor Avtar Monga, alongside debt funding from SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India).
The fresh capital will accelerate Ukhi’s mission to scale its production capabilities, advance its materials research, and expand its sustainable packaging solutions globally. By transforming agricultural waste into valuable biomaterials, Ukhi is creating a triple impact: reducing plastic pollution, preventing crop burning, and advancing the circular economy.
“We are excited to pioneer biodegradable and compostable packaging solutions made from agricultural waste, helping industries reduce their environmental footprint,” said Priyanka Chauhan, CGM and Co-Founder of Ukhi. “Our novel material research is designed to accelerate the transition towards a circular economy, positioning Ukhi as a leader in bioeconomy solutions that will transform the packaging industry.”
Ukhi has developed a groundbreaking Compostable Biomaterial that serves as the foundation for sustainable packaging products. The company’s patent-pending technology leverages lignocellulosic agricultural residues to create scalable, sustainable materials that offer a viable alternative to traditional plastics. This innovation arrives at a crucial moment, following India’s ban on single-use plastics, providing industries with an eco-friendly solution to reduce their environmental impact.
Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, Co-founder of Venture Catalysts, said, “I believe in the transformative power of innovation. The team’s vision to revolutionize the packaging industry with sustainable solutions is truly inspiring. Their dedication to creating a greener future is commendable, and I’m excited to be a part of their journey. I’m confident that they have the potential to not only disrupt the industry but also make a significant positive impact on our planet. We’re incredibly bullish about this space, and I believe Ukhi has the potential to emerge as the top startup in this space.”
“We are on a mission to disrupt the packaging industry with our biodegradable materials, and we aim to be a $5 billion company by 2030,” said Vishal Vivek, Co-Founder of Ukhi. “This funding will enable us to scale production, further our sustainable material research, and expand our reach globally. Our vision is to help companies across industries transition to sustainable, circular solutions, significantly reducing their carbon footprints while driving industry-wide transformation.”
The company’s founding team brings exceptional expertise to the venture. Priyanka Chauhan, CGM and Co-founder, contributes valuable experience in finance and supply chain management. Vishal Vivek, a serial entrepreneur and sustainability expert, has founded an IT company with presence across India and Australia.
Sundeep K Tyagi, an HBTU alum with three decades of packaging industry experience, has successfully managed a $260 million packaging business and built packaging lines for billion-dollar companies.
He said, “After three decades in the traditional packaging industry, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of plastic waste. With Ukhi’s breakthrough biomaterial technology, we’re not just creating sustainable packaging – we’re creating a blueprint for how waste can become wealth while healing our planet.”