Digital EcoInnovision Pvt. Ltd.

Digital Paani Foundation Story

Digital Paani, or Digital EcoInnovision Private Limited, is an Indian startup that has made significant strides in the field of wastewater management. Founded by Rajesh Jain and Mansi Jain, the company has a clear vision to optimize and automate wastewater treatment plants. Here’s a look into their foundation story.

Vision and Early Days

The vision of Digital Paani was born out of a need to address the inefficiencies in wastewater treatment facilities in India. Mansi Jain, after graduating from Stanford University with a degree in environmental economics, returned to India to work on this critical issue. Her father, Rajesh Jain, a veteran in the water and energy industry, had extensive experience in designing and operating hundreds of water treatment facilities across India[4].

The early days involved extensive brainstorming to understand how to solve the problem of manual management of wastewater treatment plants. They identified that 95% of these facilities were managed manually, leading to late detection of problems and a lack of expertise among operators[4]. This realization led to the formation of Digital Paani in late 2020.

The startup began by piloting an IoT-enabled software that manages the end-to-end operations of water treatment plants. This innovative approach has yielded "incredible results," as noted by Mansi Jain, and has set the stage for their future growth.

Founding Team Background

Rajesh Jain, one of the co-founders, is a graduate of chemical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. He has over 25 years of experience in the water and energy industry, having designed and operated over 400 wastewater treatment facilities in India[4].

Mansi Jain, the other co-founder, graduated from Stanford University with a degree in environmental economics in 2019. Her background in environmental economics and her experience working on water-related issues have been instrumental in shaping Digital Paani’s vision and strategy.

The combination of Rajesh’s technical expertise and Mansi’s economic insights has been crucial in developing a comprehensive solution for wastewater management.

Digital Paani Business Evolution

Digital Paani has evolved significantly since its inception, transforming from a concept into a fully operational platform. Here’s a look at their business evolution.

From Initial Concept to Current State

The initial concept of Digital Paani was to create an IoT-enabled platform that could manage the operations of wastewater treatment plants efficiently. This platform was designed to automate equipment, provide real-time updates to operators via WhatsApp, and ensure continuous monitoring of the plant’s health[1][4].

Today, Digital Paani is working with over 40 industry giants, including Tata Power, Delhi Jal Board, Britannia, and Leela Hotels. The platform has successfully treated 90 million liters of wastewater daily and has helped clients save significant costs by reducing energy, breakdown, manpower, and chemical costs[4].

The company’s solution seamlessly integrates into existing facilities, analyzing the infrastructure’s needs based on multiple performance parameters and automating unit operations and human workflows.

Key Growth Milestones

Digital Paani has achieved several key milestones in its growth journey:

• Company Incorporation: Digital EcoInnovision Private Limited was incorporated on October 28, 2020, in Delhi, India[1].
• Pilot Success: The pilot of their IoT-enabled software yielded impressive results, leading to the adoption by several major clients[4].
• Client Acquisition: The company is now working with over 40 industry giants, treating a significant volume of wastewater daily[4].
• Revenue Growth: In the previous financial year (2023-24), Digital Paani earned revenues of Rs 2.2 crore[4].
• Expansion Plans: The company aims to work with 5,000 facilities in the next five years and create data products to drive infrastructure decisions.

Product Portfolio Expansion

Digital Paani’s product portfolio has expanded to include a range of services and features:

• Automation of Equipment: The platform automates key equipment like pumps and other machinery to ensure smooth operations[1][4].
• Real-Time Updates: Operators receive real-time updates via WhatsApp, enabling prompt action in case of any issues[1][4].
• Data-Driven Decision Making: The platform analyzes multiple performance parameters to provide insights and recommendations for improvement[4].
• Training and SOPs: Digital Paani manages human workflows, including training, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and troubleshooting[4].
• Cost Reduction: The platform helps reduce energy, breakdown, manpower, and chemical costs by up to 25-35%.

Digital Paani Technology Infrastructure

Digital Paani’s technology infrastructure is the backbone of its operations, ensuring efficient and effective wastewater management. Here’s an overview of their technology infrastructure.

Core Platform Architecture

The core platform of Digital Paani is built around IoT-enabled technology. This involves the use of sensors and other IoT devices to monitor and control the operations of wastewater treatment plants in real-time[1][4].

The platform integrates various components such as automation of equipment, real-time data collection, and analysis to provide comprehensive insights into the plant’s health. This architecture enables continuous monitoring and prompt action in case of any anomalies or issues.

The use of IoT technology allows for the automation of unit operations, reducing the need for manual intervention and improving overall efficiency.

Security and Compliance Framework

Digital Paani ensures a robust security and compliance framework to protect the data and operations of its clients:

• Data Encryption: All data transmitted and stored is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access[4].
• Access Controls: Strict access controls are in place to ensure that only authorized personnel can access and manipulate data[4].
• Compliance with Regulations: The platform complies with all relevant regulations and standards for wastewater treatment and data security[4].
• Regular Updates and Maintenance: The system is regularly updated and maintained to ensure it remains secure and efficient.

Innovation in its Industry

Digital Paani has brought significant innovation to the wastewater management industry:

• IoT-Enabled Monitoring: The use of IoT technology for real-time monitoring and automation of equipment is a significant innovation in this field[1][4].
• Data-Driven Insights: The platform provides data-driven insights that help in optimizing the operations of wastewater treatment plants[4].
• Automated Workflows: Digital Paani automates human workflows, including training, SOPs, and troubleshooting, which is a new approach in this industry[4].
• Cost Reduction and Efficiency: The platform’s ability to reduce costs by up to 25-35% and improve efficiency is a major innovation.

These innovations have set Digital Paani apart and positioned it as a leader in the wastewater management sector.

Company Market Impact

Digital EcoInnovision Private Limited, operating under the brand name Digital Paani, has made significant impacts in the market, particularly in the realm of wastewater management and environmental sustainability.

User Base Growth

Digital Paani has seen substantial growth in its user base since its inception in 2020. The company has successfully optimized and managed over 43 wastewater treatment facilities across India[9].

Digital Paani's user base includes various municipal corporations, industrial plants, and other entities that require efficient wastewater treatment solutions. The company's IoT-powered platform has attracted a wide range of clients due to its ability to automate processes, detect issues, and provide real-time data for better decision-making.

The user base growth can be attributed to the company's innovative approach to wastewater management. By using custom-made sensors and over 75 algorithms, Digital Paani ensures that the treatment plants operate efficiently and comply with regulatory standards. This has led to increased trust and adoption among potential clients.

Here are some key points about Digital Paani's user base growth:

• Over 43 wastewater treatment facilities managed.
• Client base includes municipal corporations and industrial plants.
• IoT-powered platform for real-time data and automation.
• Compliance with regulatory standards through advanced algorithms.

Market Share Expansion

Digital Paani is expanding its market share by addressing a critical issue in India: wastewater management. With 75% of sewage treatment plants in India remaining defunct, Digital Paani's solutions are filling a significant gap in the market[10].

The company's market share expansion is driven by its cutting-edge technology and the urgent need for effective wastewater treatment. Digital Paani's platform not only automates treatment processes but also reduces operating costs by 25-35%, making it an attractive solution for many potential clients.

Digital Paani's market expansion is also supported by its recognition and awards. The company has been awarded by Niti Aayog, which has further boosted its credibility and market presence.

Here are some key points about Digital Paani's market share expansion:

• Addressing the issue of defunct sewage treatment plants in India.
• Cutting-edge IoT and digital management tools.
• Cost reduction of 25-35% for clients.
• Awards and recognition from Niti Aayog.

Financial Inclusion Initiatives

While Digital Paani's primary focus is on environmental sustainability, the company also contributes to financial inclusion by making wastewater treatment more affordable and efficient. This indirectly supports economic growth by reducing operational costs for various industries and municipalities.

Digital Paani's financial inclusion initiatives are embedded in its business model. By automating and optimizing wastewater treatment, the company helps its clients save resources and money. This can lead to better financial health for the clients, enabling them to invest in other areas of their operations.

The company's approach also ensures that the benefits of efficient wastewater treatment are accessible to a broader range of clients, including smaller municipalities and industrial units that might not have had the resources to implement such solutions otherwise.

Here are some key points about Digital Paani's financial inclusion initiatives:

• Cost savings through automation and optimization.
• Indirect economic benefits for clients.
• Accessibility of efficient wastewater treatment for smaller entities.
• Resource savings leading to better financial health for clients.

Company Financial Journey

Digital EcoInnovision Private Limited has experienced a dynamic financial journey since its incorporation in 2020.

Revenue Growth Story

Digital Paani has seen significant revenue growth, particularly in the financial year 2023. The company reported a 561.03% increase in revenue, indicating rapid expansion and adoption of its services[6].

The revenue growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for efficient wastewater treatment solutions and the company's innovative approach. Digital Paani's IoT-powered platform has been widely adopted, leading to substantial revenue increases.

Despite the revenue growth, the company has faced challenges in maintaining profitability. However, the revenue growth story is a positive indicator of the company's potential and market acceptance.

Here are some key points about Digital Paani's revenue growth:

• 561.03% revenue increase in FY 2023.
• Increasing demand for efficient wastewater treatment solutions.
• Adoption of IoT-powered platform.
• Market acceptance and rapid expansion.

Path to Profitability

Digital Paani's path to profitability has been challenging, with the company experiencing a substantial fall in profitability in FY 2023. The profit decreased by 378.13%, and the net worth declined significantly by 1940.09%[6].

The challenges in profitability can be linked to various factors, including high operational costs and significant investments in technology and expansion. However, the company remains committed to its mission of providing sustainable wastewater treatment solutions.

Digital Paani is focusing on optimizing its operations and reducing costs to achieve profitability. The company's ability to reduce operating costs by 25-35% for its clients is a step in the right direction, but it needs to apply similar efficiencies to its own operations.

Here are some key points about Digital Paani's path to profitability:

• Substantial fall in profitability in FY 2023.
• High operational costs and investment in technology.
• Commitment to sustainable wastewater treatment solutions.
• Focus on optimizing operations and reducing costs.

Investment Rounds and Valuations

Digital Paani has sought investment to support its growth and expansion. The company appeared on Shark Tank India, seeking an investment of ₹70 lac for 1% equity, valuing the business at ₹70 crore. However, the founders were unable to secure a deal from the Sharks[9].

The valuation and investment rounds reflect the company's growth potential and the market's perception of its value. Despite not securing a deal on Shark Tank, Digital Paani continues to attract interest from potential investors due to its innovative solutions and market impact.

The company's valuation is a testament to its achievements and the recognition it has received in the industry. Digital Paani remains a promising startup in the climate tech sector, with a strong focus on sustainability and efficiency.

Here are some key points about Digital Paani's investment rounds and valuations:

• Seeking ₹70 lac for 1% equity on Shark Tank India.
• Business valuation of ₹70 crore.
• No deal secured from the Sharks.
• Continued interest from potential investors.
• Recognition and valuation reflecting market potential.

Company Strategic Partnerships

Digital EcoInnovision Private Limited has formed several strategic partnerships to enhance its services and market reach.

Banking Collaborations

While specific details on banking collaborations are not readily available, Digital Paani's focus on sustainability and efficiency makes it an attractive partner for banks and financial institutions looking to support environmentally friendly initiatives.

Banking collaborations can provide Digital Paani with the financial support and resources needed to expand its operations. These partnerships can also help in promoting the company's services to a broader audience through the banks' networks.

Digital Paani's innovative approach and recognition by Niti Aayog make it a credible partner for banks looking to invest in sustainable technologies.

Merchant Partnerships

Digital Paani has likely formed partnerships with various merchants and suppliers to ensure the smooth operation of its wastewater treatment facilities. These partnerships would involve collaborations with companies providing equipment, chemicals, and other necessary resources.

Merchant partnerships are crucial for Digital Paani as they ensure the availability of high-quality materials and services. This helps in maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of the wastewater treatment processes.

Here are some key points about Digital Paani's merchant partnerships:

• Collaborations with equipment and chemical suppliers.
• Ensuring availability of high-quality materials.
• Maintaining efficiency and effectiveness of treatment processes.

Technology Alliances

Digital Paani has formed technology alliances to enhance its IoT-powered platform and improve the efficiency of its wastewater treatment solutions. These alliances involve collaborations with technology companies that provide advanced sensors, algorithms, and other digital tools.

Technology alliances are essential for Digital Paani as they enable the company to stay at the forefront of technological advancements in wastewater management. The use of custom-made sensors and over 75 algorithms is a result of these alliances.

Here are some key points about Digital Paani's technology alliances:

• Collaborations with technology companies for advanced sensors and algorithms.
• Enhancing the IoT-powered platform.
• Improving efficiency of wastewater treatment solutions.
• Staying at the forefront of technological advancements.