Getting a degree from top engineering colleges was often seen as a key to high-paying jobs and a convenient life. Well, not anymore!! A large number of fresh graduates are now taking up entrepreneurship to address problems faced by the society at the ground level and are redefining the world.

IIIT-Delhi being a research-oriented institute, has always committed to developing innovative solutions to improve the quality of life and making a positive impact on society through technology-based interventions. We encourage our students to seek out challenges in the society and cater to them through the most innovative solutions. Many of our alumni have taken divergent paths in their career, but there is one thing common among all, a commitment towards making an impact.

Here is an intriguing story of one of our alumnus from the youngest graduated batch, Mukul Chhabra (Class of 2020) who is contributing significantly to the Indian startup ecosystem and bringing a positive difference in the society. Inspired by the tech innovation, Mukul took up the challenge of entrepreneurial journey and opted out of campus placements to follow his passion. During his last year in IIIT-Delhi, he started his own venture ‘Swapeco’, with a vision to divert recyclables from India’s unsanitary landfills. In a very short span of time, Mukul has turned Swapeco into a growing venture.

Let’s read about this young entrepreneur’s journey from a student to the founder of a growing startup, in his own words.

Tell us about yourself
I am a freshly minted B.Tech- ECE graduate and Founder & CEO of the startup called “Swapeco”. I was quite fascinated by the idea of startups from a young age. On joining IIIT-Delhi as a student, I was fortunate to get exposure to a number of consumer internet companies that visited campus for placements. It was during these times that I observed how a simple idea with not much of rocket science, having the capability to solve a genuine problem, can be shaped into a business. When I was in my final year at the college that is when I started Swapeco with a vision to bring about a systematic change in India’s recyclable waste management problems.

What inspired you to start Swapeco?
I am always passionate about solving social problems through self-sustainable business models. In India, households & enterprises sell off their recyclables to traditional recyclable waste vendors (also called “Kabadiwalas”). These recyclable waste vendors play a crucial role in India’s recycling industry. But, there are several problems that people face while dealing with these traditional waste buyers like time-mismatch, trust & safety issues, recyclables channeled to unauthorized recyclers, unregulated prices, etc. Due to these problems, a lot of people have stopped segregating & selling off their recyclables to these vendors. Only 20% of India’s total recyclable waste is actually recovered (market potential~ $15Bn) whereas 80% recyclables end up in landfills leading to severe air pollution & groundwater contamination. I saw this sector as an opportunity because of its huge market size and unorganized nature at the same time. After months of research and discussions with my friends about this sector, Swapeco came into existence.