Ukhi, an emerging leader in biomaterials, has raised $1.2 million in its pre-seed funding round, marking a significant milestone in its mission to transform the packaging industry with sustainable solutions.
The funding comprises equity investments from 100Unicorns, Venture Catalysts, and angel investor Avtar Monga, alongside debt financing provided by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
This Delhi-based startup previously raised $69.6K in an angel round, and the latest infusion of capital will be directed toward scaling production, advancing research into biodegradable materials, and expanding its global footprint in sustainable packaging solutions.
Founded in 2019 by Priyanka Chauhan, Vishal Vivek, and Sundeep Kumar Tyagi, Ukhi is dedicated to creating biodegradable materials using agricultural residues. Through its innovative approach, the company is helping businesses adopt eco-friendly practices while contributing to a circular economy.
Ukhi’s proprietary technology transforms lignocellulosic agricultural waste into compostable biomaterials, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. These materials are tailored for applications in packaging, enabling companies to reduce their environmental impact while addressing pressing issues like plastic pollution and crop residue burning.
The startup’s operations span Haryana and Uttarakhand, with a vision to empower industries worldwide. With the new funding, Ukhi aims to enhance its production capabilities, enabling it to meet growing demand and establish itself as a global player in the biomaterials sector.
“Our mission is to create biodegradable, compostable solutions that drive industries toward sustainability,” shared Priyanka Chauhan, co-founder of Ukhi. “With this funding, we can scale our operations and bring our patented materials to a broader audience, fostering a circular economy and reducing the reliance on single-use plastics.”
Investors are optimistic about Ukhi’s potential to disrupt the packaging industry. The company’s focus on creating scalable and sustainable solutions has positioned it as a rising star in the biomaterials space. With global concerns over plastic waste and the bioeconomy gaining traction, Ukhi’s timing is impeccable.
Its innovations align with broader industry trends and place it in potential competition with established players such as Traceless and Advanced Biomaterial Company. However, Ukhi’s unique value proposition lies in its focus on agricultural residue-based biomaterials, which address environmental challenges while delivering cost-effective solutions.
Ukhi’s vision goes beyond creating materials—it aims to redefine how industries view packaging. By integrating compostable biomaterials into mainstream manufacturing, the company is enabling businesses to significantly reduce their carbon footprint.
In a statement, the company emphasized its commitment to reducing plastic pollution, mitigating crop burning, and driving an industry-wide shift toward sustainability. By offering alternatives that are both environmentally friendly and commercially viable, Ukhi is poised to play a vital role in shaping the future of packaging.
With $1.2 million in funding, Ukhi is set to accelerate its journey toward creating a sustainable bioeconomy. By combining cutting-edge research, scalable solutions, and a clear commitment to environmental stewardship, the company is carving out a unique space in the biomaterials sector.
As industries across the globe look for sustainable alternatives, Ukhi stands ready to lead the charge, proving that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand. The startup’s work in biodegradable materials promises not only to transform packaging but also to create a lasting positive impact on the planet.
