Biography of Uttam Banerjee: Founder and CEO of Zerodor- Entrepreneur
Biography of Uttam Banerjee:
Vision for Sustainable Sanitation
Uttam Banerjee is a visionary entrepreneur who co-founded
Ekam Eco Solutions, a company focused on creating sustainable sanitation
solutions. This venture emerged from his passion for conserving water and
reducing waste. His work is rooted in the values of simplicity, positivity, and
interconnectedness, all inspired by the Sanskrit word "Ekam." His
goal is to provide effective solutions that use natural methods to conserve
water and recycle waste, addressing critical sanitation challenges in India.
The Birth of Zerodor
In 2013, Banerjee, alongside IIT Delhi professor V.M.
Chariar, developed a groundbreaking product: Zerodor, a waterless urinal
system. The device, a polymeric membrane, prevents water wastage in urinals
while also keeping them odor-free. This innovation came after observing the
immense water waste in conventional urinals, which use up to 3-4 liters per
flush. By eliminating the need for water, Zerodor not only saves water but also
prevents the foul odors that are commonly associated with public toilets.
From IIT to Start-Up
Banerjee's journey began with his academic background. He
studied mechanical engineering at the Oriental Institute of Science and
Technology in Bhopal, then went on to pursue a Master’s in Industrial Design at
IIT Delhi. During his time at IIT, Banerjee met Professor Chariar, with whom he
co-founded Ekam Eco Solutions. The idea for Zerodor came from their shared
interest in sustainable design and improving sanitation systems in India.
A Problem Rooted in Water Scarcity
Growing up near a river, Banerjee saw firsthand the
consequences of water scarcity. In just a few years, the river near his village
became polluted, symbolizing the broader environmental degradation occurring
across India. This inspired him to seek solutions that not only improved
sanitation but also preserved precious water resources. Zerodor was born from
this need to create a product that addressed both water conservation and
sanitation simultaneously.
Biography of Uttam Banerjee: Founder and CEO of Zerodor- Entrepreneur/waterless urinal system/age/net worth/investor/startup/Zerodor story/Zerodor
Making Sanitation Sustainable
Ekam Eco Solutions focuses on developing technologies that
conserve water while improving the sanitation infrastructure. Their flagship
product, Zerodor, has already been installed in over 7,000 locations, saving
millions of liters of water. The device uses high-grade polymers to create a
waterless, odor-free environment in urinals. This simple yet effective solution
has made a significant impact on the sanitation industry.
Aiming for Large-Scale Change
Banerjee's goal extends beyond just providing a product. He
wants to create a large-scale impact on sanitation in India. His company has
already installed over 30,000 units, saving more than 100 crore liters of
water. With over 700 clients, including universities, corporations, and
government institutions, Ekam Eco Solutions is well on its way to achieving its
mission of revolutionizing sanitation in India.
The Swachh Bharat Mission Partnership
In line with India's national efforts to improve sanitation
under the Swachh Bharat Mission, Banerjee’s company became a part of this
larger initiative. His waterless urinals are seen as a vital contribution to
achieving the mission's goals. The government’s push for better sanitation made
this the perfect opportunity for Ekam Eco Solutions to expand its reach and
make a tangible difference in the lives of millions of people.
Expanding the Product Line
While Zerodor is the flagship product, Ekam Eco Solutions
isn't stopping there. The company is actively working on expanding its
offerings to include waterless, odorless urinals for women, addressing the
specific needs of female users. The company has already conducted studies to
understand the unique requirements of women’s restrooms and aims to introduce
these products in the near future.
A Journey from Engineering to Eco-Innovation
Banerjee's professional journey reflects his evolving
interest in design and sustainability. After completing his B.Tech in
Mechanical Engineering, he worked at Mahindra & Mahindra, contributing to
the design of the Mahindra Xylo. However, his passion for industrial design and
sustainability led him to pursue a Master’s in Industrial Design at IIT Delhi.
It was during this time that he founded Bambooed, a platform that designs
utility products made from bamboo.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit
Ekam Eco Solutions began with a strong foundation of
research and development. The company was incubated at IIT Delhi, and its
innovative solutions have caught the attention of many large organizations.
Banerjee’s commitment to improving sanitation through technology has not only
earned the trust of clients but has also helped position his company as a
leading player in India’s eco-innovation landscape.
Financial Sustainability and Growth
Ekam Eco Solutions has grown significantly since its
inception. With a turnover of about one crore rupees and a team of 15
employees, the company is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable
sanitation. The company’s products have been developed with cost-efficiency in
mind, ensuring that they can be deployed on a large scale without breaking the
bank for customers. This makes their solutions practical for a wide range of
institutions, from schools to large corporations.
The Role of Government and Subsidies
Banerjee has voiced strong opinions on the role of
government subsidies in the sanitation sector. He believes that subsidies,
while well-intentioned, can undermine the perceived value of sanitation
products. Instead, he advocates for better toilet design and planning, with
toilets being given priority in construction plans. He suggests making toilets
more appealing and integrating local craftsmanship into their design to make
them more desirable.
A Focus on Education
Ekam Eco Solutions is not just focused on installing
waterless urinals but also on educating the public about the importance of
water conservation. The company has launched a campaign called 'PRAWAH' in
partnership with the Millennium Alliance. As part of this campaign, they are
installing waterless urinals in 140 schools across India. The goal is to teach
students about the benefits of water conservation and innovation in sanitation
while also improving the facilities in these schools.
Aiming for Smarter Villages
Banerjee’s vision extends beyond urban areas. He believes
that the future of India lies in creating “smarter villages” that embrace
sustainable technologies and innovative sanitation systems. While his company
has made significant strides in urban areas, Banerjee is eager to bring his
solutions to rural and semi-rural areas, where sanitation challenges are often
even more severe. His ultimate goal is to create a more sustainable and
hygienic future for the entire country.
A timeline for Ekam Eco Solutions:
2013: The Birth of Zerodor – Co-founded by Uttam Banerjee
and Prof. V.M. Chariar, Zerodor, a waterless urinal system, is developed.
2013-2014: From IIT to Start-Up – Banerjee, after completing
his Master’s at IIT Delhi, partners with Prof. Chariar to form Ekam Eco
Solutions.
Early 2010s: A Problem Rooted in Water Scarcity – Banerjee’s
personal experience with water scarcity motivates his mission to conserve water
through better sanitation.
2014-2017: Making Sanitation Sustainable – Zerodor installed
in over 7,000 locations, saving millions of liters of water.
2018: Aiming for Large-Scale Change – Ekam Eco Solutions
expands, installing over 30,000 units and saving 100 crore liters of water.
2019: The Swachh Bharat Mission Partnership – Ekam Eco
Solutions partners with the Swachh Bharat Mission to contribute to national
sanitation efforts.
2020-2021: Expanding the Product Line – The company works on
developing waterless urinals designed specifically for women.
2021: A Journey from Engineering to Eco-Innovation –
Banerjee’s career journey from Mahindra Xylo to founding Bambooed and Ekam Eco
Solutions is recognized.
2021-2024: The Entrepreneurial Spirit – Ekam Eco Solutions
grows and gains recognition as a leader in eco-innovation for sanitation in
India.
2024: Financial Sustainability and Growth – The company
achieves a turnover of ₹1 crore and employs 15 people, continuing to expand its
impact.
2024: The Role of Government and Subsidies – Banerjee
advocates for better toilet design and planning rather than government
subsidies in sanitation.
2024: A Focus on Education – The company launches the
'PRAWAH' campaign to install waterless urinals in 140 schools and educate
students about water conservation.
Future Vision: Aiming for Smarter Villages – Banerjee plans
to bring his sustainable sanitation solutions to rural and semi-rural areas,
focusing on “smarter villages.”
