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Innovation Story Search

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Old Printery Building Renovation

There was an old, unprofitable printery in Obninsk city. The city administration and private businesses decided to turn it into a creative hub that combined a Nuclear Energy Center, a School of Creative Industries, a Youth Center and IT-offices.

Empowering a Greener Future through Innovation and Purpose

Kinetic Green is a pioneering company in the electric mobility sector, providing affordable and sustainable transportation solutions like electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and golf carts. By reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and creating green livelihoods, the company addresses key UN Sustainable Development Goals including and not limited to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry and Innovation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Their innovative solutions democratize clean mobility, making it accessible to urban and rural communities alike while fostering a healthier, more sustainable planet.

Supported Employment: Care for People, Care for Nature

This innovation focuses on “Supported Employment: Respect for People, Respect for Nature,” an inclusive program by Limona Pro aimed at providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities and graduates of social care institutions. By addressing employment barriers, Limona Pro contributes to UN SDGs, particularly Decent Work and Economic Growth (Goal 8) and Reduced Inequalities (Goal 10).

FootPro: Pioneering Sustainable Solutions for Health and Mobility

FootPro is changing the face of healthcare in South India with revolutionary solutions in foot health and mobility. Operating at multiple centers situated across the region, the company uses the most advanced German technology and years of healthcare experience to treat conditions that range from diabetic foot complications and orthopedic difficulties to sports-related injuries.

Committed to affordability and quality, FootPro empowers everyone from all walks of life to take confident, pain-free steps toward better health. It's more than just a service: it's a movement inspiring active, fulfilling lives. It is Changing Lives through Sustainable Solutions in Foot Care, claims Hair Nair, its managing director.

Advancing Health and Well-Being

Footpro’s concentration in foot care pertains to diabetic conditions, orthopedic issues, and sports problems, all of which are in line with the global agenda of ensuring good health and wellness. By addressing symptoms like gangrene and preventing neuropathy in diabetics, helps ensure decent mobilization and improved quality of life for healthy living.

Inspiring Innovations and Making Infrastructure-Hits

Footpro does this in consideration with the other goals on industry, innovation, and infrastructure, using world-class technology like 3D foot scanning, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) modeling, and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) milling to manufacture precise insoles. Healthcare infrastructure will be strengthened in foot care with German-standard, high-quality, but affordable solutions.

The Creation of Decent Work and Economic Staffs

Footpro contributes to good jobs and promotes economic growth by training professionals in advanced technologies and manufacturing processes of foot-care devices. Through affordable and effective solutions, they improve economic productivity by mobility and health effects.

Promoting Sustainable Consumption And Production

Promoting the principle of clean consumption and production is making toxin-free, antibacterial, or antifungal materials part of its insoles and footwear. Via preventive care, these promote not only reducing waste of valuable resources through haywire reliance on treatment after the fact but also a future that is healthier and much more sustainable.


An Innovative and Totally Ecological Packaging / Un empaque innovador y totalmente ecológico

According to the ONU in its 2021 report on plastic pollution, this has become one of the greatest environmental challenges of the 21st century. Every year, 11 million tons of plastic are dumped into the oceans, representing 80% of all marine litter. For its part, the OECD (2022) describes that worldwide more than 460 million tons of plastic are produced annually, of which only 10%-15% is recycled, while approximately 79% ends up in landfills or dispersed in the environment, including the oceans. If this trend continues, it is estimated that by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in our world's oceans.

For this reason, Greenpack actively promotes sustainable practices in the packaging industry, working to reduce waste and minimize environmental impact, mainly in Colombia. Its products are responsible solutions that seek to raise consumer awareness about the use of plastic on the planet.

Sonia, in conversation with the country's environmental authorities, mentioned, "We have noticed that some companies do it out of obligation, others actually on their own initiative...we want to make people feel that they don't want to touch plastic, but we don't want to demonize plastic, we want to give it the use it should be given, like houses or airplanes, really use it in the right way."

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Según la ONU en su informe 2021 sobre contaminación por plásticos, esto se ha convertido en uno de los mayores desafíos ambientales del siglo XXI. Cada año, se vierten 11 millones de toneladas de plástico en los océanos, lo que representa el 80% de toda la basura marina. Por su parte, la OCDE (2022) describe que a nivel mundial se producen más de 460 millones de toneladas de plástico anualmente, de las cuales solo el 10%-15% se recicla, mientras que aproximadamente el 79% termina en vertederos o disperso en el medio ambiente, incluidos los océanos. Si esta tendencia continúa, se estima que para 2050 habrá más plástico que peces en nuestros océanos del mundo.

Por esta razón, Greenpack promueve de manera activa prácticas sostenibles en la industria del empaque respondiendo a la problemática de la contaminación por plásticos, trabaja para reducir los desperdicios y minimizar el impacto ambiental, principalmente en Colombia. Sus productos son soluciones responsables, que buscan generar conciencia en el consumidor sobre el uso de plástico en el planeta.

Sonia en conversación con las autoridades medio ambiente del país mencionaba, nos hemos dado cuenta de que algunas empresas por obligación otras en realidad por iniciativa propia…nosotros queremos llegar a que la gente le dé cosita tocar el plástico, pero no es satanizar el plástico sino darle el uso que debe darse, como casas o aviones, realmente utilizarlo de la manera correcta.

DOM.RF initiatives

DOM.RF is a company working in the field of housing construction, and has become a leader in the field of sustainable development. New standards affect the quality of life and the environment, and the concept of green building is a key trend that not only improves the quality of life of people, but also actively cares about the environment

Pathways to Progress: A Company's Commitment to Sustainability

Decathlon is dedicated to making sports accessible to everyone while minimizing its environmental impact through innovative and sustainable practices. The company actively promotes sustainability via its EcoDesign program, recycling initiatives, and the adoption of renewable energy. These efforts align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) and Climate Action (SDG 13). By incorporating sustainable materials, reducing waste, and lowering carbon emissions, Decathlon not only fosters environmental responsibility but also inspires individuals to embrace both sustainability and an active lifestyle.

Water Treatment Plants Incorporating ESG

Alta Group's key company product is innovation - they offer water-treatment plants with self-balancing and energy-efficient technologies. Plants are equipped with IoT sensors which allows them to monitor, analyze and proactively mitigate potential problems in plant's operations.

Reviving Traditions and Sustainability with Gut-Healthy Beverages

Hillsorb Fermentory addresses India's rising diabetes crisis by offering healthy, non-alcoholic fermented beverages like kombucha, made with indigenous ingredients such as Rosella and Palash. By reviving local flavors and incentivizing sustainable farming in the Konkan region, the company supports rural livelihoods while promoting healthier alternatives to sugary drinks. This initiative contributes to multiple UN SDGs, including Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)​

A tapestry of change

In the heart of India’s bustling artisan communities lies Sirohi, a transformative, design-forward artisan backed brand redefining the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and modern design. By connecting globally conscious consumers with the work of over 950 women artisans from marginalized communities, Sirohi combines traditonal art forms with innovative design that uses recycled materials to create products that are not only beautiful but utilitarian and functional.

Noble Seeds: Sowing Innovation and Sustainability

Noble Seeds, founded in 2004 by four passionate agricultural graduates from different corners of India, stands as a beacon of sustainable innovation in the hybrid seed industry. Rooted deeply in the belief that "If farmers are strong, we are strong," Noble Seeds has transformed the agricultural landscape for over two decades. The company, now valued at more than INR 100 crore with 500 employees, began with a modest investment of INR 30 lakh and a mission to empower farmers through resilient and high-yielding seeds. "Starting big without knowing big doesn’t work. If the farmers are strong, we are strong," says Mr. Gopalkrishna Hegde, Director of Noble Seeds, reflecting the ethos that drives the company’s growth.this Indian vegetable seed company is transforming farming practices, enhancing yields, and contributing to food security across the globe; contributing to SDG 2 Zero Hunger. 

Innovating for a Greener Future & Sustainable Petrochemicals

Set in Rajasthan, India, Kenergie Industries Pvt. Ltd, formerly known as Kent Chemicals is setting a benchmark for sustainable innovation in the petrochemical industry.Kenergie has pioneered innovative processes that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 11(Sustainable Cities & Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).


Climate Visionaries: Power of Collective Action

Cool the Globe is a citizen-led app that enables people and communities to take action in reducing carbon every day with daily targets. It tracks collective emissions saved through a global meter, thus providing a visual for the impact of small, united actions that create big differences. Organizations like schools, colleges, and communities can also use the app to bring about collective climate action. This app encourages accountability and cooperation among the people and hence aligns with SDG 13 by advocating for a sustainable future.

Ecohome: Transforming Challenges into Sustainable Innovation / Ecohome: Transformando los retos en innovación sostenible

Synthetic surfactants—derived from petrochemical compounds and produced artificially—are widely used in products such as detergents, shampoos, soaps, and even certain foods. Their primary function is to reduce surface tension, facilitating cleaning, emulsification, and foam formation. However, their large-scale production and improper handling have significant environmental impacts.

Each year, about 60% of these surfactants end up in aquatic ecosystems, causing an estimated 7 million tons of annual pollution. This contamination affects water oxygenation and endangers species such as fish, crustaceans, and microorganisms. Additionally, synthetic surfactants can bioaccumulate or react with heavy metals, intensifying their toxic effects and amplifying ecological risks.

Ecohome proposes an integrated solution to these challenges through the extraction of biosurfactants (substances that help mix normally immiscible compounds, like water and oil) as the basis for manufacturing 100% eco-friendly products. These biosurfactants provide a sustainable alternative to synthetic surfactants, reducing environmental impact and promoting responsible practices.

"This is why Ecohome is committed to addressing these two challenges: pollution caused by synthetic surfactants and deforestation of the Tropical Dry Forest. Through botanical research and the development of sustainable products, we transform environmental challenges into opportunities to regenerate ecosystems and empower farming communities,” says Maritza López, CEO of Ecohome.

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Los surfactantes sintéticos —derivados de compuestos petroquímicos y producidos artificialmente— se emplean en una amplia gama de productos como detergentes, champús, jabones e incluso alimentos. Estas sustancias, cuya función principal es reducir la tensión superficial para facilitar la limpieza, la emulsificación y la formación de espuma, son también responsables de impactos significativos en el medio ambiente debido a su producción masiva y manejo inadecuado.

Cada año, cerca del 60% de estos surfactantes terminan en ecosistemas acuáticos, generando una contaminación estimada en 7 millones de toneladas anuales. Este fenómeno afecta la oxigenación del agua y pone en peligro especies como peces, crustáceos y microorganismos. Además, los surfactantes sintéticos pueden bioacumularse o reaccionar con metales pesados, intensificando sus efectos tóxicos y amplificando los riesgos ecológicos.

Simultáneamente, la deforestación en Colombia ha impactado ecosistemas estratégicos como el Bosque Seco Tropical, un bioma ubicado entre los 0 y 1000 m.s.n.m. Este ecosistema es crucial para regular las temperaturas en zonas cálidas y semiáridas, pero hoy en día conserva menos del 9% de su cobertura original debido a actividades humanas como la agricultura, la ganadería y la urbanización. Su degradación amenaza no solo a la flora autóctona, como el guayacán y el cedro, sino también a fauna endémica, incluyendo primates como los titíes, felinos y aves, cuyo hábitat se encuentra cada vez más fragmentado y reducido.

Ecohome propone una solución integral a estas problemáticas mediante la extracción de biosurfactantes (sustancias que permiten mezclar compuestos como agua y aceite que normalmente no se combinan) como base para fabricar productos 100% ecológicos. Estos biosurfactantes ofrecen una alternativa sostenible a los surfactantes sintéticos, reduciendo su impacto ambiental y promoviendo prácticas responsables.

"Por esta razón, Ecohome se compromete a abordar estos desafíos: la contaminación por surfactantes sintéticos y la deforestación del Bosque Seco Tropical. A través de la investigación botánica y el desarrollo de productos sostenibles, transformamos retos ambientales en oportunidades para regenerar ecosistemas y fortalecer comunidades campesinas”, afirma Maritza López, CEO de Ecohome.

Leadership in Sustainable Construction / Liderazgo en construcción sostenible

The construction industry represents one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), this sector is responsible for 38% of global CO₂ emissions related to energy. Additionally, it generates 50% of urban solid waste, significantly contributing to climate change and the degradation of ecosystems. The pollution produced impacts both air and water, affecting the health of millions of people and endangering the well-being of future generations.

As Sir David Attenborough stated: "We cannot save the world without changing our habits." This imperative finds its answer in innovative proposals like VIMOB, a Colombian venture committed to sustainability in construction. Through prefabricated modular homes, VIMOB drastically reduces waste generated during the construction process, employs eco-friendly materials, and decreases the carbon footprint associated with building.

VIMOB not only transforms the way we build but also demonstrates that it is possible to harmonize urban development with environmental care. With accessible and sustainable solutions, this model invites us to rethink how we inhabit and construct in a world that demands responsible and urgent action.

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La industria de la construcción representa uno de los mayores desafíos ambientales de nuestra era. Según el Programa de las Naciones Unidas para el Medio Ambiente (PNUMA), este sector es responsable del 38% de las emisiones globales de CO₂ relacionadas con la energía. Además, genera el 50% de los residuos sólidos urbanos, contribuyendo significativamente al cambio climático y a la degradación de los ecosistemas. La contaminación producida impacta tanto el aire como el agua, afectando la salud de millones de personas y poniendo en riesgo el bienestar de futuras generaciones.

Como afirmó Sir David Attenborough: "No podemos salvar el mundo sin cambiar nuestros hábitos." Este imperativo encuentra su respuesta en propuestas innovadoras como VIMOB, un emprendimiento colombiano que apuesta por la sostenibilidad en la construcción. A través de viviendas modulares prefabricadas, VIMOB reduce drásticamente los desechos generados durante el proceso constructivo, emplea materiales eco amigables y disminuye la huella de carbono asociada a la edificación.

VIMOB no solo transforma la forma de construir, sino que también demuestra que es posible armonizar el desarrollo urbano con el cuidado del medio ambiente. Con soluciones accesibles y sostenibles, este modelo invita a repensar cómo habitar y construir en un planeta que demanda acciones responsables y urgentes.

Today's Ayurveda

Navyayurveda, founded by Dr. Neha Joshi, is a sustainable business that leverages Ayurvedic principles to create skincare, haircare, and makeup products. These products use natural ingredients like coconut oil and butter while employing eco-friendly packaging practices, including reusable plastics and plans for transitioning to glass. The company’s mission is to improve personal well-being and environmental health through sustainable innovation.

The business aligns with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It supports Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) by providing natural, chemical-free personal care solutions that enhance everyday self-care. It promotes Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) by creating jobs in manufacturing and research, contributing to local economic development. Through its commitment to sustainable packaging and cruelty-free processes, Navyayurveda advances Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12). Lastly, by reducing reliance on single-use plastics and planning to adopt glass packaging, the company contributes to Climate Action (SDG 13) by lowering its carbon footprint and environmental impact.

Navyayurveda exemplifies how traditional knowledge, paired with modern sustainability efforts, can address pressing global challenges and create a better world.

BEEP: Driving Energy Efficiency Through Behavioral Change

Praketa Innotech is a sustainable enterprise tackling global energy efficiency and education challenges through innovative solutions. Their flagship product, the Behavioral Effective Energy Planner (BEEP), addresses the rising demand for energy while promoting cost savings and environmental consciousness. By empowering individuals to take control of their energy usage, Praketa Innotech contributes significantly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7) and Climate Action (SDG 13).

In addition to energy efficiency, Praketa Innotech has also ventured into the education sector with a second vertical aimed at enhancing vocational training and skill development. This initiative aligns with Quality Education (SDG 4) by equipping students, particularly from polytechnic institutions, with practical skills to address modern challenges, including sustainability. Education is the cornerstone of lasting change, and by empowering young minds, we are not just preparing them for careers but also enabling them to contribute meaningfully to society," said the founder. 

In response to one of the questions, Mr Vaisakh shared, “We saw a significant gap in how energy was being consumed and managed at the household level“. He added, "Most solutions were either too expensive or didn’t address the core issue: people’s behavior. With BEEP, we aim to bridge this gap and make energy efficiency accessible to everyone.” 

BEEP's unique approach fosters behavioral change by providing users with real-time data and actionable insights. By doing so, Praketa Innotech is not just solving problems but also empowering individuals to be part of the solution. This holistic approach places the company at the forefront of innovative solutions aligned with global sustainability goals.

A Silent Revolution: How One Idea is Rewriting the Rules of Sustainability

Innovation and sustainability are two essential ideas for addressing global environmental concerns and creating a better future. Today's businesses and sectors are increasingly looking for ways to lower their carbon footprint, eliminate waste, and promote responsible use of natural resources. As a result, sustainable technologies are critical in addressing concerns such as climate change, pollution, and the depletion of non-renewable energy and resources.

The development of environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional activities is one of the key areas of focus of sustainability. Bio-compostable materials replace non-recyclable and fossil-fuel-based products. These solutions encompass sustainable principles of reducing, reusing, and recycling, promote the protection of the environment, and yield advantages like lesser carbon emission and conservation of natural resources.

Eco Hive reduces reliance on fossil fuel energy while replacing conventional materials with bio-based, FDA-approved alternatives like PBAT and PLA, requiring lower carbon footprints and contributing to waste reduction. These solutions target UN SDG 13: Climate Action in that they help enable firms toward sustainable practices while providing tangible environmental or social outcomes.

Through innovative design, scalability, and a comprehensive approach to sustainability, Eco Hive empowers brands to tackle climate change by reducing reliance on non-biodegradable plastics and fostering the adoption of eco-friendly practices. This positions the company as a key driver of change in the packaging industry, promoting long-term environmental stewardship and sustainable development in India.


Packaging a Sustainable Future: Huhtamaki's packaging mission

Huhtamaki has introduced ground-breaking sustainable packaging innovations, focusing on recyclable single-material structures and compostable paper-based products. These innovations aim to address plastic pollution by replacing multi-layered packaging with eco-friendly alternatives while maintaining functionality and circularity in the packaging lifecycle. It aims to reduce flexible packaging due to its multi-layered structures and replace them with a single polymer structure, which is circular in nature and can be recycled easily, much like milk pouches today made of LDP or the PET bottles used by Coca-Cola. 

Plast-E-Cycle: Closing the Plastic Loop

Lucro Plast e-Cycle is a pioneering integrated waste management company in India that transforms post-consumer plastic waste into high-quality, flexible packaging solutions. By integrating the entire recycling process—from waste collection to manufacturing—Lucro addresses SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by fostering sustainable industrialization and reducing environmental harm. Their innovative closed-loop model promotes a circular economy, minimizes reliance on virgin plastics, and empowers local communities, making sustainability both impactful and accessible.