The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), in collaboration with Startup India and Stride Ventures, has announced Plastics for Change Recycling Private Limited as the winner of the inaugural Bharat Startup Grand Challenge 2025. The initiative aims to identify and empower high-impact homegrown startups driving innovation and sustainability in India.
Selected from over 120 startup applications received within a 30-day window, the winning startup stood out among entries from 22 states and across key sectors such as sustainability, fintech, and e-mobility.
Founded in 2015, Plastics for Change is a social enterprise dedicated to building a Fair Trade verified supply chain for recycled plastics. The company is engaged in the ethical sourcing and aggregation of plastic waste, delivering high-quality rPET, rHDPE, and rPP materials to recycling partners. By working directly with informal waste collectors and integrating them into the formal economy, the startup has built a robust collection capacity exceeding 20,000 tons. The organization now plans to expand its footprint in India’s growing plastics recycling sector.
In recognition of its impactful work, Stride Ventures — India’s largest venture debt fund with over $1 billion committed to more than 170 startups — has pledged an investment of up to ₹10 crore, subject to due diligence. The investment will be complemented by ecosystem support, mentorship, and access to Stride’s global network to enable the startup’s further growth in sustainability and circularity.
This milestone marks the first edition of the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge, following an MoU signed earlier this year between DPIIT and Stride Ventures. The partnership aims to provide funding, mentorship, and global market access to Indian startups, reinforcing India’s vision of nurturing innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
With offices now in Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and London, Stride Ventures continues to back transformative Indian ventures on a global stage, reinforcing the country’s startup ecosystem with strategic capital and comprehensive support.
