IIT-M startup develops wastewater treatment technology

CHENNAI: An IIT Madras-incubated startup, JSP Enviro, has developed an indigenous wastewater treatment system and deployed it in industrial units in Erode. Following successful field implementation, the company plans to expand its deployment across India.

According to the release issued by IIT-M, the technology, named Bio-Electrochemical Anaerobic Digestor System (BEADS), enables cost savings, energy recovery and carbon reduction for industries. It addresses challenges of wastewater management while reducing emissions.

Explaining the distinction from conventional methods, JSP Enviro co-founder VT Fidal Kumar, an IIT-M alumnus, said, “Traditional aerobic systems require significant electricity to pump oxygen into effluents, whereas BEADS functions without oxygen. By combining electrodes with microbial treatment, it enhances degradation of organic waste while recovering electricity. The system requires neither chemicals nor frequent electrode replacements and generates minimal sludge.”

Co-founder and CEO Priyadharshini Mani, with a PhD from the University of Westminster, London, said, “Each unit treating 100 cubic metres of effluents per day can reduce up to 80 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. With carbon credit opportunities and global carbon taxation, industries adopting BEADS can gain financial benefits.”

Two installations in Erode and Perundurai have demonstrated the viability of the technology. Industries using the system have reported lower operating costs and reduced sludge disposal issues, with a return on investment projected within four years.

JSP Enviro is working with textile and dyeing clusters in Perundurai and Erode, and plans to expand into food, pharmaceutical and chemical sectors. Established in 2019 by IIT-M alumni, JSP Enviro was the first Indian startup to receive funding from Europe’s climate-focused accelerator after securing second place in Climate Launchpad, a global green business competition.