StubXtract: IIT Roorkee's Innovative Solution Selected for National-Level Hult Prize at IIT Bombay
A Proud Moment for Enactus IIT Roorkee
We are thrilled to announce that Project StubXtract has been selected for the National-Level Hult Prize Competition to be held at IIT Bombay. Competing against some of the brightest young innovators across the country, Team StubXtract from IIT Roorkee will present its ...
Read moreA Proud Moment for Enactus IIT Roorkee
We are thrilled to announce that Project StubXtract has been selected for the National-Level Hult Prize Competition to be held at IIT Bombay. Competing against some of the brightest young innovators across the country, Team StubXtract from IIT Roorkee will present its groundbreaking solution to tackle one of India's most pressing environmental challenges—stubble burning.
The Hult Prize, often referred to as the "Nobel Prize for Students", is a prestigious global competition that challenges university students to develop social entrepreneurship solutions for critical global issues. This year's theme revolves around sustainability and impact-driven innovation, making StubXtract a perfect fit for the challenge. With this achievement, our team is not just representing IIT Roorkee but also pioneering a sustainable future for Indian agriculture. But what exactly is StubXtract? Let's explore.
StubXtract: Turning Stubble Waste into a Goldmine
Every year, thousands of farmers in India resort to stubble burning, a practice that releases toxic pollutants into the air, worsens climate change, and depletes soil fertility. Despite government regulations, the lack of cost-effective alternatives forces farmers to continue this harmful method.
This is where StubXtract comes in. StubXtract is an innovative biorefinery-based solution that converts agricultural waste (stubble) into high-value bio-based products like vanillin, polylactic acid (PLA), and lactic acid, all of which have significant industrial applications in food, packaging, and medical fields.
How Does StubXtract Work?
StubXtract introduces a small-scale, mobile, in-situ biorefinery unit that can be deployed directly in fields, allowing farmers to process their crop waste on-site. Instead of burning, they can extract valuable chemicals from stubble and sell them for profit.
Key Technologies Behind StubXtract
- In-Situ Biorefinery – Portable units that process stubble on farms, eliminating transport costs
- Hemicellulose Hydrolysis – Converts stubble into xylose, a key ingredient for sugar substitutes
- Lignin Valorization – Extracts vanillin, an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic vanilla
- Cellulose to PLA & Lactic Acid Conversion – Produces biodegradable bioplastics for food packaging and medical use
- Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs) – A Technology-as-a-Service model making it affordable for farmers to rent and use the technology
Why StubXtract is a Game-Changer
Environmental Impact
- Prevents millions of tons of CO₂ emissions caused by stubble burning
- Improves air quality, reducing respiratory diseases in cities
- Restores soil fertility, ensuring sustainable agriculture
- Reduces dependency on petroleum-based industrial chemicals
Economic Impact
- Creates a new revenue stream for farmers by turning waste into valuable products
- Affordable through a rental model (CHCs) for small-scale farmers
- Generates employment in rural areas for equipment operation and bioprocessing
Social & Agricultural Impact
- Improves public health by reducing pollution-related diseases
- Boosts long-term farm productivity by preventing soil degradation
- Establishes a circular bioeconomy, benefiting farmers, industries, and local communities
Support Us on This Journey
Let's bring this revolutionary idea to life. If you're an investor, policymaker, or industry expert interested in partnering with us, reach out and be part of this transformative movement.
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