Information on startup and business developments in Pune, including news and updates on emerging ventures.

Powering Livelihoods, a joint initiative by the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) and Villgro Innovations Foundation, is inviting applications to provide support to enterprises implementing clean energy-driven solutions for livelihoods. The selected enterprises will be eligible for financial assistance of up to ₹25 lakh as seed funding, focusing on distributed renewable energy (DRE)-based livelihood innovations for both non-farm and farm sectors. The program includes tailored gender-inclusive incubation, strategic mentorship, and opportunities for Go-To-Market collaborations to expand market outreach. Special attention is given to facilitating end-user financing for clean energy solutions, supported by evidence-based impact assessment.

In another development, the Asian Countries Chamber of Hospitality Industry (ACOHI), the private governing body for the Hospitality Industry in India and Asia, has introduced the Amrit Food Cart to regulate street food in Pune, Maharashtra, and the rest of India. The first cart, licensed and approved for operation on Wagholi Bakori Road, belongs to M/S Shinde Chowpatty and has successfully cleared all necessary protocols. Dr. Sanee Awsarmmel, Chairman of ACOHI, highlighted that seven years of research and development went into creating this unique product, aiming to revolutionize the street food segment in India and across Asia. The Amrit Food Cart is designed to cater to the specific needs of various cuisines, states, preferences, hygiene standards, safety measures, and customer choices, aligning with the vision of the Indian Government.

Additionally, the Material Testing Lab at G H Raisoni College of Engineering and Management (GHRCEM) in Pune has received accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Lab (NABL). This accreditation, in line with the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard, allows the lab to conduct a variety of tests on construction materials such as concrete, steel, bricks, and paving blocks. The certificates issued by the lab are recognized by structural agencies under the governments of India and Maharashtra, making it a sought-after endorsement for the testing of concrete and steel structures in the construction industry.