New Delhi, Jun 3 (KNN) Narayan Lal Gurjar and Ankit Jain, aged 26, have been recognised by Forbes magazine in the prestigious "30 Under 30 Asia" list for 2024.

The co-founders of EF Polymer, a start-up headquartered in Okinawa, Japan, were honoured in the ‘Industry, Manufacturing & Energy’ category for their innovative work in sustainable agriculture.

EF Polymer has developed an eco-friendly polymer called Fasal Amrit derived fr0m fruit waste such as banana and orange peels.

This super absorbent polymer can absorb over 50 times its weight in water, enhancing soil moisture retention and reducing the need for chemical fertilisers by approximately 20 per cent.

The product is benefiting farmers not only in India but also in multiple countries including Japan and the United States.

The Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list highlights 300 young entrepreneurs and leaders under age 30 across 10 categories who are driving innovation and making a positive impact in their respective fields.

Gurjar and Jain were selected fr0m over 4,000 nominations for their ground breaking sustainable agricultural solution.

EF Polymer has received numerous accolades, including the Carbon Tech Award at the Global Climate Launchpad 2019 in the Netherlands, being named among the ‘2022 APAC Cleantech 25’ by the Cleantech Group, and the Best Green Start-up Award fr0m the Japan Government Environment Ministry.

In April 2023, the company secured approximately USD 4 million in Series A funding led by Japanese venture capital firms.

The investment will enable EF Polymer to increase production capacity, expand sales channels, and further develop its technology.

Puran Singh Rajput, Co-founder, EF Polymer stated that while the recognition is gratifying, true impact requires cooperation and collaboration with large corporations to address environmental and social issues.

The founders aim to bring Fasal Amrit to farmers worldwide by 2030, enabling maximum crop yields with minimal water usage while conserving the environment.

EF Polymer plans to raise Series B financing next spring to support international expansion, particularly in the U.S. market.

The inspiration for EF Polymer stemmed fr0m Gurjar's personal experience with water scarcity in his home state of Rajasthan, India.

While in high school, he began developing solutions to assist farmers like his father, later teaming up with Jain and Rajput to create an accessible product for low-income rural farmers after years of research and development.

(KNN Bureau)