Indian eco-friendly company among Expo 2020 grant winners

The 23 projects singled out by Expo 2020 try to address poverty, inequality, climate change and justice

Al Wasl Plaza. Expo-led construction is on track to be completed by the end of the year. Victor Besa / The National

Construction under way on Al Wasl Plaza, where photovoltaic ‘trees’ that will help power the site. Victor Besa / The National

The Al Wasl Plaza, where 40,000 workers are shaping the venue for the international fair. Victor Besa / The National

Construction under way on the main exhibition centre that will connect to the metro station being built. Victor Besa / The National

Signs point to buildings yet to be completed but developers say construction is going according to schedule. Victor Besa / The National

The sustainability pavilion rises from the sand. Victor Besa / The National

Construction under way on the main exhibition centre. Victor Besa / The National

More than 100 million man-hours have been completed at the Expo site. Victor Besa / The National

Construction began in 2015 when 250,000 cubic metres of sand was moved to the site. Victor Besa / The National

The Al Wasl Plaza, where 40,000 workers are shaping the venue for the world’s fair. Victor Besa / The National

Expo 2020 Dubai has awarded 23 grants to companies that work for the common good.

It is the fifth round of grants for the Expo Live programme, with selections made from a group of 4,000 applicants.

Recipients get a grant of up to $100,000 (Dh367,300), advice and a platform to make their project a reality.

Projects contribute to challenges identified by the UN Sustainable Development Goals to address poverty, inequality, climate change and justice.

Expo 2020 was originally to start this October but will now take place in 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

One of this year’s recipients was Ecoware, an Indian start-up that makes biodegradable packaging using agricultural waste that would normally be incinerated.

“With Expo Live funds we will be able to source new types of agricultural waste for conversion into applications that will displace single-use plastics, take our products to smaller towns and cities and expand our impact,” said Rhea Mazumdar, the company’s founder.

“This will make a real difference in India, where it is common to see littered streets, clogged drains and overflowing dumpsites. By facilitating waste conversion, we help prevent the emission of greenhouse gases due to stubble burning, while creating jobs and opportunities for underprivileged communities in the process.”

Half of the recipients were led by women.

This year’s recipients also include Talent Beyond Boundaries, an Australian organisation that helps refugees and displaced people move internationally for work and BrainTrip, a company that has developed a user-friendly device to diagnose dementia for early detection.

One recipient from Cameroon has developed a smartphone platform for breast and cervical cancer screening for women in rural areas without access to testing.

To date, Expo Live has awarded 142 grants to start-ups from 76 countries. Previous recipients include a smartphone app that teaches blue collar workers to speak English and learn about safety material.

“Through Expo Live, Expo 2020 is demonstrating its commitment to driving solutions that will positively affect global communities and future generations, supporting social impact start-ups across the world,” said Yousuf Caires, the programme’s vice president.

“All projects supported by Expo Live so far, from improving access to mental health platforms in Egypt, Saudi Arabia or the UK, to innovative recycling technology in China, remain committed to improving people’s lives during the global health crisis. The latest cohort of global innovators will carry on this tradition, inspiring others to find solutions to challenges in their own communities, and playing a significant role in helping shape a better world.”