JU start-up wins IIT Madras innovation challenge, gets 10L
Times of India | 8 February 2026
Kolkata: An emerging clean-tech start-up, Aldrogen Energy, from the chemical engineering department of Jadavpur University, which was incubated at the institute's innovation council, emerged among the top three winners at the Carbon Zero Challenge (CZC 5.0) for its 6.25 kVA hybrid hydrogen-powered generator. This zero-emission solution is designed for the country's growing off-grid and decentralised energy needs and was developed by Sayantanu Mandal with chemical engineering assistant professor Raj Kumar Das, with mentorship from mechanical engineering professor Dipankar Sanyal.
Hosted by IIT Madras from Jan 29 to 31, 2026, CZC 5.0 was a national eco-innovation and entrepreneurship platform aimed at accelerating climate-focused technologies. Among the 1,321 applications, 25 start-ups were selected for the finals and were given Rs 5 lakh each to develop a prototype. Among the 25 finalists, JU's Aldrogen Energy emerged among the top three winners along with EDS Wagon Tech and Karotimam. Each secured Rs 10 lakh as an award prize.
"Aldrogen Energy's hybrid hydrogen-powered generator delivers reliable, clean electricity by using hydrogen stored in a safe solid-state form and oxygen from the air to generate power. Supported by an integrated battery system, the generator provides stable electricity while producing only water as a by-product," said Mandal, adding, "With zero emissions, near-silent operation, smart safety features, and remote monitoring, it offers a sustainable alternative to conventional diesel generators and holds potential across sectors such as defence, transportation, data centres, EV charging infrastructure, residential communities, disaster management, and rural electrification. The startup entered pilot deployment stage and we are exploring avenues of investment so that it can be launched commercially in next one year."
VC Chiranjib Bhattacharjee said, "It is a proud moment for the university. Our alumni extensively supported them with funds and mentorship." Honorary treasurer of JCEAA, Debashis Ghosh, said, "This achievement reinstates the changing mindshare of youth towards entrepreneurship and future job creators."