Bariflo Cybernetics, an Odisha-based startup, has secured Rs 2 crore in milestone-linked funding from the energy innovation platform MC² Plus. The company utilizes artificial intelligence and automation to optimize industrial wastewater treatment, aiming to lower energy consumption and chemical usage for manufacturing facilities.
Key Takeaways
- Funding source: The investment comes from MC² Plus, an initiative supported by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
- Technology application: Bariflo uses IoT sensors and AI models to automate chemical dosing and process adjustments in effluent treatment plants.
- Efficiency gains: Founder Mrityunjay Sahu states the system can reduce energy consumption by approximately 25%.
- Market focus: The company targets existing industrial infrastructure rather than new construction to improve water reuse.
- Upcoming pilot: Bariflo is preparing for a pilot project with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL).
Expanding Industrial Water Efficiency
Founded in 2018, Bariflo initially monitored municipal waterbodies and aquaculture systems before pivoting to industrial wastewater. The company focuses on upgrading existing effluent treatment plants (ETPs) to increase water recycling, a strategy driven by growing industrial demand for water conservation. According to Sahu, the technology automates decisions regarding chemical dosage and treatment stages based on real-time readings of pH, flow, and total dissolved solids.
The company enters a competitive market. Bariflo identifies established firms like Ion Exchange and VA Tech WABAG as indirect competitors, noting that these companies also employ digital twin technology and AI-based water modeling. Frost & Sullivan projects India’s industrial water and wastewater infrastructure market will grow from $2.87 billion in 2024 to $4.65 billion by 2030.