Ecozen: Empowering farmers with climate-smart technology
Year: 2010
Founders: Devendra Gupta, Prateek Singhal, Vivek Pandey
Funding: ~$70M
Investors: Nuveen, Omnivore, IFA, Caspian, Hivos-Triodos Fund, Dare Ventures, InCred Credit Fund, US International Development Finance Corporation
Introduction
Ecozen is a frontier deep-tech agritech startup working towards bringing a revolution in the perishables space in the country with its tech-supported sustainable solutions. Established by IIT Kharagpur alumnus, Ecozen integrates renewable energy with IOT to offer technology rich solar based products for productive use- both consumers and businesses – and agriculture. Since the very beginning, Verdezyne has been concentrating on improving the farm-to-fork industry with such modern technologies as AI, IoT and thermal energy storage. The startup’s marquee offerings — Ecofrost and Ecotron — have the potential to be sheer game changers for the rural farming community. Paired with its digital Eco-Connect platform, Ecozen plugs gaps in storage, irrigation and market access, to allow farmers in India and beyond to achieve a higher yield and extended shelf life for their produce and a steady revenue stream — all the while promoting clean energy and climate resilience.
Tackling Agricultural Challenges
Sustained challenges such as lack of access to cold storages, unreliable power supply, and restricted irrigation systems are persistent for smallholder farmers in India. Cold storage is not only limited, but unreliable irrigation systems culminate into considerable post-harvest losses and reduced crop value. Increased energy expenses alongside an overreliance on fossil fuels worsen the situation in rural areas. Furthermore, farmers tend to have a hard time reaching retail buyers. As a result, they are forced to sell perishable goods at throwaway prices locally. Understanding these issues, Ecozen has developed comprehensive solutions to the Indian agricultural problems by energy-efficient systems, predictive crop management, and market linkage tools that are tailored to the needs of the growers.
Key Offerings
- Ecofrost: Perishables can be stored directly on the farm with Ecofrost, a solar-powered cold storage system that reduces spoiling by up to 90%.
- Ecotron: IoT and AI-powered smart irrigation pump controller that provides real-time weather and crop data.
- Eco-Connect: A digital platform that links farmers with reliable market buyers, streamlining the supply chain.
- Tech Features: Predictive analytics, remote monitoring, and IoT-based controls that help optimize water and energy use.
- Flexible Access Models: Affordable leasing and pay-as-you-use models make high-tech tools accessible for smallholder farmers.
- Sustainability Focus: Ecozen solutions reduce carbon emissions by replacing diesel-powered equipment with solar alternatives.
Real Impact
Ecozen has redefined how perishable goods are grown, stored, and sold in rural India. Operating over 450 cold storage units and engaging with more than 100,000 farmers across 10 countries, the startup has drastically reduced post-harvest losses—by up to 90% in many cases. By using solar-powered units and smart energy management, it has generated over 1 billion units of clean energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fuel dependency. Farmer incomes have seen measurable increases thanks to longer shelf life, better-quality produce, and direct connections with retailers and exporters. In just two years, Ecozen recorded a 5x revenue surge, with profit margins tripling—a testament to how mission-driven innovation can also yield strong business performance.
Success Story
One powerful story comes from Maharashtra, where a group of pomegranate farmers struggled to preserve their harvest long enough to reach distant urban markets. Without proper cooling systems, over 40% of their produce would perish before sale. After installing Ecofrost cold rooms via a lease model, they were able to store their fruit on-site for up to 15 days, allowing them to sell at premium prices. Leveraging Eco-Connect, they found a bulk buyer in Mumbai.The collective income of the farmers rose by more than ₹1.2 lakh per year as a result. The farmers utilized the extra cash to expand their operations and make investments in drip irrigation, and the cold room developed into a community center. This story is not unique; states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka have used Ecozen’s model to help strengthen community resilience.
Lessons for Agri-Startups
Ecozen’s journey delivers essential insights for the next wave of AgriTech entrepreneurs:
- Solve from the Ground Up: Products like Ecofrost and Ecotron were built after deeply engaging with farmers, ensuring they solve real pain points.
- Tech That’s Accessible: Affordability and scalability are key. Ecozen’s leasing model makes innovation reachable for even marginal farmers.
- Energy Efficiency is Profit Efficiency: Shifting to solar is not just about sustainability—it directly cuts costs and unlocks rural productivity.
- Platform Thinking: The value lies not just in a device, but in the ecosystem—Ecozen’s success is tied to Eco-Connect’s ability to link storage to sales.
- Sustainable + Scalable: Clean-tech solutions tailored to agriculture can be both environmentally sound and business-savvy.
Stay Informed with Focus Agritech
Ecozen stands as a shining example of how deep-tech, clean energy, and market-first thinking can elevate smallholder farmers and modernize perishables supply chains. It is not just innovating agri-solutions—it is laying the foundation for a cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive agricultural future.Explore more such stories, insights, and opportunities in the agritech ecosystem.
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