Agropak wins India's largest non-dilutive climate grant, worth Rs 31.4 lakh

What's the deal? The Sustainability Mafia (SusMafia) has awarded its Rs 31.4 lakh Big Pi Grant — billed as India's largest non-dilutive grant for early-stage climate startups — to AgropakDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →. The biotech startup builds a natural fibre materials platform that produces bio-based packaging for the beauty and personal care industry.

Why non-dilutive? The grant lets founders accelerate innovation, commercial validation and market adoption without giving up equity. Its name nods to the constant π (3.14).

How was it awarded? Jointly supported by SusMafia and the BITS Pilani PIEDS Accelerator, the grant drew over 50 applications. Five startups — spanning water and waste management, climate intelligence, sustainable materials and the built environment — were shortlisted before Agropak won.

What does the winner get? Beyond the cash, Agropak gains mentorship, strategic guidance, access to incubators and government programmes, and continued support through SusMafia's investor, fellowship and grant ecosystem.

The track record: BioComputeDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, the 2024 winner, has since built lab infrastructure, expanded into the Bay Area and raised over Rs 5 crore from investors including WTFundDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, Grad Capital and 1517 FundDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →. Bisket Labs, the 2025 recipient, went on to secure the Karnataka government's ELEVATE Grant.

The backers: The third edition of SusCrunch drew investors including Zerodha and 3one4 CapitalDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, alongside corporates such as RelianceDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, BioconDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, Zomato and Apollo HospitalsDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →.

The signal: As India pushes towards net-zero, the climate ecosystem is leaning on more than venture capital. SusMafia now spans 84 active climate founders and over 700 Climate Ninjas, whose startups have collectively raised over $350 million, employ more than 3,000 people and mitigate roughly 1.56 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually. "Every founder needs access to business, capital and talent," said co-founder Ganesh Shankar. "No founder can build all three alone."

Read more: AgroSpectrum India