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Chitkara University Student Invents a Single-use Plastic Substitute

Chandigarh | Published : 18h October 2019

Taking forward the spirit and vision of Hon'ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and joining him in the drive to eliminate single-use plastic, a Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh campus student; Pranav Goyal (B.Tech, 2nd Year) has invented a purely biodegradable and environment-friendly substitute for the purpose. As per his invention, starch extracted from potato waste is used to make pallets which can be further used to manufacture biodegradable products like straw, spoons, forks, plates, carry bags and water bottles.

Congratulating Pranav on his 'game-changing' invention, Hon'ble Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro-Chancellor, Chitkara University Himachal Pradesh said, "Chitkara University provides the NextGen with the right platform in the form of education, a world-class incubator, mentors and funding, to come up with innovative solutions to society's problems and make a real difference. Pranav's invention is indeed incredible and encouraging for the cause to save our planet."

Chitkara student Pranav Goyal worked along with his mentors - Ms. Abha Sharma, CEED & Mr. Sumeer Walia, Director - CEED (Centre for Entrepreneurship), Chitkara University. The invention has been developed under the company SPM Bioplastic, which is incubated at Explore Hub, Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh. Centre for Entrepreneurship Education & Development (CEED) encourages and motivates students to be part of a start-up ecosystem and promotes their ideas. The Incubator has successfully incubated over 100 start-ups and continues to turn dreams into reality.

According to Pranav, this invention aims to replace petroleum-based plastic products which are a major contributing factor to pollution. Explaining the process, Pranav said, "We use starch extracted from potato waste and centrifuge it to form another material which can be used as a raw material in place of plastic products. The product is 100% biodegradable and environment-friendly. We basically make pallets of the starch, feed it into an extruder and then mould it into different shapes of products."

Ecstatic to file his first Patent, Pranav Goyal exclaimed, "I believe as inventors we should be very conscious about designing a product that is true to the form, function and, most importantly, the carbon footprint. This was the driving force behind my research and invention." Pranav has won cash prizes for his invention from Reliance TUP 4.0 and at Start-up Day Contest from CEED.

Pranav's story is truly an inspiring one for his fellow students - and a testimony to the fact that 'when a great idea shows up, grab it, and don't stop till you make it a reality'.

About Chitkara University:

In the year 2002, Chitkara Educational Trust established its Punjab campus 30km from Chandigarh, on the Chandigarh-Patiala National Highway. In the year 2010, Chitkara University was established by the Punjab State Legislature under 'The Chitkara University Act'. Chitkara University, one of the best university in Punjab is a government-recognized university with the right to confer degrees as per the Sections 2(f) and 22(1) of the UGC Act, 1956.

Chitkara University has been founded by Dr. Ashok Chitkara and Dr. Madhu Chitkara who have been passionate teachers for more than 40 years now. Chitkara Education brings with it, a reputation that has been earned through years of serving the career - needs of the student community. It is a reputation for excellence and innovation among coveted employers for preparing graduates who have the knowledge and skills they need for success in their workplace.

Chitkara University graduates go on to have great careers, as they have their hands on the responsive teaching methodology. Students from around the country are attracted to Chitkara University because of their commitment to teaching excellence, their research that makes a difference, their industry partnerships and their tailored courses. This difference has been acknowledged by students, parents, alumni, government, and industry since the inception of the university.

Within a decade, most of Chitkara University academic programs are ranked among the top 50 programs in the country which speaks volumes about their string of academic heritage, highly committed faculty, extensive industry collaborations, great international connections and state-of-the-art campus facilities. For more information, please visit: https://www.chitkara.edu.in/.

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