Group Legrand India has launched the HiiVE Legrand Innovation Challenge to promote sustainable packaging solutions and develop biodegradable alternatives to single-use plastics. The initiative brings together industry, academia and government to support research, innovation and commercially viable solutions under Legrand’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme.
The challenge is being organised in collaboration with Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University (DBATU), Lonere, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, and the Government of Maharashtra. It will be implemented by IICARE Foundation and Environmental Forum of India as part of the HiiVE (High Impact & Innovations Venture Ecosystem) initiative.
The programme aims to connect students, researchers, start-ups and innovators to create practical, calculable and market-ready packaging solutions that support the circular economy. Through the challenge, Group Legrand India seeks to develop a Made-in-India alternative to single-use plastic that is more than 90% biodegradable.
Speaking at the launch, Tony Berland, CEO and Managing Director of Group Legrand India, said, “At Legrand, sustainability is embedded in our purpose and in the way we innovate. Through the HiiVE Legrand Innovation Challenge, we aim to bring together industry expertise, academic research and entrepreneurial thinking to develop practical and calculable alternatives to single-use plastics.”
The launch also saw the signing of a Joint Declaration of Cooperation between Group Legrand India, IICARE Foundation, DBATU and Shivaji University. The agreement will support long-term collaboration in research, innovation, incubation and commercialisation.
The event included a presentation by Legrand’s R&D team on sustainability priorities and packaging innovation. University leaders, researchers, government officials and industry experts discussed ways to strengthen industry-academia partnerships and accelerate the adoption of new solutions.
Dr. Santosh Bhosale, Joint Secretary to the Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra, highlighted the potential for collaboration between universities, entrepreneurs and industry to develop sustainable innovations.
Through the initiative, Legrand aims to encourage sustainable behaviour, reduce single-use plastic and support solutions that can be adopted across industries.
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