Tripura University’s first start-up, HN Technovations LLP, has secured seed funding from Tata Sons at IIM Calcutta’s Tata Social Enterprise Challenge 2025. The innovation-focused venture develops affordable water purification and clean energy solutions, marking a milestone for Northeast India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Tripura University has reached a historic milestone with its first on-campus startup, HN Technovations LLP, securing prestigious seed support from Tata Sons at the Tata Social Enterprise Challenge (TSEC) 2025, hosted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta. The recognition marks not only a proud achievement for the institution but also a moment of celebration for the state of Tripura, as the startup emerged successfully from among 16,000 applications received from across India.
A Landmark Achievement for Tripura University
HN Technovations is the first startup to be incubated at the Tripura University Business Incubator, and its success has put the university on the national entrepreneurial map. Officially registered under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs as a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), the venture has been nurtured under the mentorship of Professor Harjeet Nath from the Department of Chemical and Polymer Engineering.
The initiative has received vital support from the AICTE’s YUKTI 2.0 scheme, a program designed to encourage and fund innovative ideas that have strong market potential. For Tripura University, this recognition represents the beginning of an era where research and innovation can translate into tangible entrepreneurial outcomes that address pressing social needs.
Innovation with Purpose: Clean Water and Energy Solutions
Speaking about the vision of the startup, Professor Nath emphasized that HN Technovations is working on solutions around water purification, clean energy generation, and soil amendments. Among its standout innovations, a portable water purifier has drawn widespread attention for its potential use in disaster management and emergency situations.
The device has been specifically designed to be deployed during floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters, where access to safe drinking water is often severely compromised. Unlike expensive packaged drinking water, the purifier can deliver clean water at a cost of less than one rupee per litre, making it a cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable alternative.
Professor Nath highlighted the relevance of this innovation for Northeast India, a region frequently affected by floods and heavy rains. Agencies such as the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and even the Indian Army could use the technology to provide safe water in affected regions while reducing the dependency on plastic water bottles, which often generate environmental hazards after relief operations.
Recognition at Global Forums
The purifier was recently presented at the Global Conference on Disaster Management in Dehradun, where the technology was demonstrated to senior officials from the defence sector. The innovation received praise for its practical application and potential to transform disaster response strategies in India.
This validation from both academic and defence circles not only demonstrates the technical strength of the product but also signals its readiness for large-scale adoption. With backing from Tata Sons, the startup is now preparing to refine its technology further and scale up production for wider deployment.
Tata’s Backing: A Catalyst for Growth
Support from Tata Sons under the Tata Social Enterprise Challenge is a game-changer for HN Technovations. The seed funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities that come with the award will empower the startup to bring its innovations to the market with greater efficiency.
“This support is not just financial—it’s a recognition of the social impact and sustainability embedded in our work,” Professor Nath remarked. “Our aim is to create affordable, eco-friendly solutions that can make a meaningful difference in disaster management and everyday life.”
A Step Forward for Tripura and the Northeast
The achievement of HN Technovations is a significant first for Tripura University, positioning it as a hub of innovation in the Northeast. It demonstrates how academic institutions in smaller states can make meaningful contributions to solving national challenges.
By combining scientific expertise with entrepreneurial drive, the startup’s success also inspires a new generation of students and researchers to pursue innovation as a career path. The recognition at a national level underscores the untapped potential of Northeast India’s academic institutions to contribute to India’s larger innovation ecosystem.
Looking Ahead
With the seed funding secured, HN Technovations now plans to optimize its product designs, scale up manufacturing, and explore partnerships with disaster management agencies and defence establishments. The portable water purifier, alongside other projects in clean energy and soil improvement, will form the foundation of the company’s growth.
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As Tripura University celebrates this milestone, the success story of HN Technovations LLP represents more than just the triumph of a startup—it is a symbol of innovation, sustainability, and social impact. For the university, the journey into entrepreneurship has just begun, and with the backing of Tata Sons, the road ahead looks promising.
