In a significant step towards encouraging innovation and sustainability, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), in collaboration with Startup India and Stride Ventures, announced Buoyancy Plastics for Change Recycling Private Limited as the winner of the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge 2025. This initiative, designed to spotlight high-impact homegrown startups, saw an overwhelming response with over 120 applications from 22 states across India, reflecting the country’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit.
Plastics for Change stood out for its strong commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices. Founded in 2015, the startup has pioneered a Fair Trade verified recycled plastics supply chain, focusing on the ethical sourcing and aggregation of plastic waste. By working directly with informal waste collectors and integrating them into the formal economy, the company is not only contributing to environmental conservation but also improving livelihoods for many. With a current collection capacity of over 20,000 tons, the startup provides high-quality rPET, rHDPE, and rPP materials to recycling units, and is poised to expand its impact further within India’s growing recycling industry.
This year marks the first edition of the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge hosted by Stride Ventures, India’s largest venture debt fund. With a track record of supporting over 170 new-age startups and committing more than $1 billion in funding, Stride has become a key player in nurturing India’s innovation ecosystem. Its recent expansion to international hubs such as Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and London underscores its commitment to taking Indian startups global.
As part of the award, Stride Ventures has announced an investment of up to ₹10 crore in the winning startup, subject to due diligence. Beyond funding, the support package includes mentorship, market access, and entry into Stride’s vast network, offering a significant boost to the winner’s mission in advancing sustainability and circularity in India. This partnership serves as a heartening reminder of the power of innovation when backed by purpose, policy, and community.