Startup India partners with Netherlands and Get in the Ring for innovative solutions to fight pollution

Startup India has partnered with the Embassy of Netherlands in India and Get in the Ring to test 150 innovations over the course of three years as part of their Clean Air India initiative. Get in the Ring is a foundation that looks to provide fun and effective ways for startups and innovators to connect and create impact.

“We believe innovation can solve world challenges” said Get in the Ring Global Director, Jochem Cuppen. “Clean Air India will bring together startups with solutions that can change the world and corporate partners who have the power to make change. We are creating true impact.”

Netherlands Prime Minister, Mark Rutte launched the initiative during what is reported as “his most significant visit to India to date” at a dinner that included corporate partners – who have also vowed to join the campaign.

Startups with smog-related solutions were called upon to pitch their businesses and ideas so as to attract investment via collaborations with a corporate partner in a ‘Get in the Ring’ style battle.

Startup founders that are deemed to have the most promising solutions get to work with the corporate partners wherein their solution will be deployed to fight the menacing rate of air pollution in India.

Jochem Cuppen, Global Director Get in the Ring, said, “This isn’t just a challenge, this is a movement. Every day that you are breathing in New Delhi is the same as smoking 45 cigarettes a day. We all have a right to breathe clean air, so it is time to take action. I believe innovation is the answer to all of our world problems, and I am looking forward to witnessing the impact our startups have on smog in India.”