How This CleanTech Startup is Converting Waste into Valuable Resources for a Zero Dump India

WeVOIS Labs, co-founded by Abhishek Gupta and Abhinav Vaishistha, is transforming waste management in India through innovative technology. Leveraging IoT, AI, and real-time data analytics, WeVOIS optimizes waste collection, segregation, and recycling processes, addressing inefficiencies in the sector. By integrating advanced solutions like IoT-based route planning and AI-driven waste segregation into existing infrastructure, the startup enhances municipal waste management and operational efficiency. With plans to expand to over 250 cities in the next five years, WeVOIS is making strides toward a cleaner and more sustainable India.

In this exclusive interview, we speak with Mr. Abhishek Gupta, CEO of WeVOIS Labs Pvt. Ltd., a startup that has been at the forefront of transforming waste management in India through technology since its launch in 2018. Below are the insights from our conversation with Mr. Gupta, who shares WeVOIS Labs’ vision, challenges, and mission.

Q1: Could you tell us the name of your startup and when it was launched?
Ans: WeVOIS Labs was launched in 2018 with a mission to position India as a global leader in the waste management sector through innovative and sustainable solutions.

Q2: Where is your startup headquartered?
Ans: We are based in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Q3: What is the problem you are trying to solve, and how did you identify it as a significant issue?
Ans: WeVOIS addresses the inefficiencies in India’s waste management system, where a significant amount of waste remains uncollected or improperly disposed of, despite government initiatives like Swachh Bharat Mission. One critical insight was observing that traditional methods, which often rely on manual tracking, typically cover only 60-70% of households in cities, leaving the rest unserved. This results in open dumping or burning, causing land and air pollution, and endangering public health.

We realized that by leveraging technology—like IoT and data-driven systems—we could optimize waste collection, extend reach, and improve operational efficiency. Today, WeVOIS operates in 15 cities, with a network of 1,200 sanitation partners, ensuring 100% waste collection for over 5 lakh households, proving the impact of a tech-driven approach in solving this critical issue.

Q.5 a: Can you tell us about the founders?
Ans: WeVOIS was co-founded by Abhishek Gupta and Abhinav Shekhar Vashistha, both IIIT alumni. Abhishek’s early exposure to the struggles of unorganized workers and his experience leading waste management initiatives during the Swachh Bharat Mission inspired him to create WeVOIS. Abhinav, a technologist with expertise in data analytics, focuses on integrating IoT and AI into waste management solutions.

Q.5 b: Who are the core team members, and what are their roles?
Ans: They are:

1. Bharat Vashisth – VP, Technology: Leads tech development; skilled in IoT and software engineering.
2. Devendra Singh Rathore – VP, Operations: Manages operations; expertise in environmental engineering.
3. Harendra Choudhry – Senior Software Architect: Oversees software architecture; skilled in data security.
4. Kamal Verma – Business Developer: Drives business development; experience in solid waste management.
5. Dr. Bhavna Sharma – Head, Training: Leads training programs; expertise in educational program management.
6. Sunil Choudhary – VP, Sales & Marketing: Oversees sales strategies; background in market development.
7. Raj Kumar – HR Head: Manages HR functions; specializes in talent acquisition.

Each member brings unique skills that will evolve as WeVOIS grows, focusing on strategic responsibilities and technology integration.

Q.6 a: Tell us about the Product / Solution. How did you get your first customer? Explain how you went about the Product-Market Fit Process.
Ans:

Product / Solution:
WeVOIS offers a tech-driven waste management solution with three main components:

1. Navigation App for Sanitation Workers: Inspired by ride-sharing apps, this app optimizes routes for sanitation workers, ensuring they cover every household efficiently.
2. Citizen App: A user-friendly app for residents that notifies them 5 minutes before waste collection and allows them to raise complaints, fostering community engagement.
3. Web Portal for Municipal Authorities: A centralized portal for real-time monitoring of waste collection, providing metrics and insights to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.

Our integrated system addresses inefficiencies in waste collection and promotes community involvement, contributing to a cleaner environment.

Abhishek Gupta’s journey began while working as a Research Associate at IIT Delhi, where an incident highlighted the lack of awareness about sanitation facilities. He and co-founder Abhinav Shekhar Vashistha developed a prototype app for locating toilets and dustbins, leading to the realization of the challenges faced by sanitation workers. They founded WeVOIS in 2018 and secured their first partnership in April 2019 after overcoming initial rejections from municipal offices.

Product-Market Fit Process:
Achieving product-market fit involved several stages:

1. Research and Prototyping: The initial prototype led to insights about sanitation workers’ challenges, driving the development of our comprehensive solution.
2. Pilot Testing: We launched a pilot project in one city with 10,000 households, gathering data from sanitation workers, municipal authorities, and residents.
3. Overcoming Challenges: Initial setbacks, including a strike by sanitation workers, informed our understanding of their needs, prompting us to adapt our product for worker support.
4. Feedback-Driven Iteration: Continuous feedback led to the development of the citizen app and enhancements to the web portal, improving community engagement and monitoring capabilities.
5. Data-Driven Decisions: Metrics from the pilot enabled us to refine our solution, achieving nearly 100% household coverage.
6. Scaling and Expansion: After validating our solution’s effectiveness, we expanded to 15 cities, serving over 5 lakh households with 1,200 sanitation partners.

By addressing real-world challenges and continuously refining our product, WeVOIS has successfully achieved product-market fit in the waste management sector.

Q.6 b: What is your USP?
Ans: USP:
WeVOIS provides a comprehensive waste management solution that integrates IoT and AI for real-time optimization, worker empowerment, and community engagement. Unlike many solutions that focus on specific areas, we offer an end-to-end system that enhances the entire waste collection process.

Key Insight:
We recognized that inefficiencies stem from inadequate support for sanitation workers, leading to only 60-70% waste collection coverage. By equipping workers with a navigation app, we ensure they can effectively cover all households daily.

Uniqueness of Your Startup:

• Integrated Technology: A platform covering all waste management aspects.
• Worker-Centric: Tools to enhance efficiency and respect for sanitation workers.
• Community Engagement: A citizen app that encourages participation and feedback.
• Real-Time Monitoring: A portal for municipal authorities to make informed decisions.

Q.7 a: What were your assumptions when entering the market, what did you learn, and who is your ideal customer?
Ans: Initially, we believed logistical inefficiencies were the primary issue and that municipal authorities would easily adopt our technology. However, we learned that bureaucratic constraints require more comprehensive support and training, while community engagement needs education and feedback mechanisms.

Our ideal customers are municipal corporations and urban local bodies (ULBs) responsible for waste management, as well as private communities seeking efficient services. We have successfully partnered with ULBs in 15 cities, serving over 5 lakh households.

Q.7 b: What has been your biggest failure as an entrepreneur and what did you learn from it?
Ans: Our biggest failure was assuming that technology alone would address waste management issues. A sanitation workers’ strike revealed the need to understand their concerns.

This experience taught us that involving workers in the solution design and addressing their needs is crucial. Our approach shifted to a people-centered model, leading to the comprehensive WeVOIS solution we offer today.

Q.8: How are you pricing the product, and what is the model?
Ans: WeVOIS uses a premium subscription model, pricing based on city or community size and services offered. This includes a technology suite featuring a navigation app for workers, a citizen app for residents, and a monitoring portal for authorities.

Q.9: Tell us about the investors.
Ans: In June 2023, WeVOIS raised $4 million in a seed funding round led by Innovana Thinklabs Ltd, Upaya Social Ventures, RecurClub, and prominent angel investors, enabling growth and expansion.

Q.10: Is there an interesting success story?
Ans: Initially, sanitation workers viewed their tasks as just jobs. By showcasing their work and progress through our app, they developed a sense of ownership and commitment. This led to improved collection efficiency, with workers voluntarily aiming for 100% coverage. Their feedback helped enhance our technology, showing that valuing worker contributions fosters operational efficiency and passion for change.

Q.11 a: What is the value of business done by your venture?
Ans:

• Revenue Overview:
  • Actual Revenue:
    • FY 2022: ₹10 crore
    • FY 2023: ₹20 crore
    • FY 2024: ₹33 crore
  • Projected Revenue:
    • FY 2025: ₹60 crore
    • FY 2026: ₹120 crore
• Future Outlook: 15 cities in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh are interested in partnering with WeVOIS, indicating significant growth potential.

Q.11 b: What is the big picture of your startup? Is your product/service leading to something bigger?
Ans: WeVOIS aims to transform waste management into sustainable ecosystems, enabling smart, zero-waste cities where waste is efficiently managed and repurposed. Our vision includes:

• Smart Waste Management: Integrating IoT and AI for predictive resource optimization.
• Zero-Waste Cities: Developing machinery for waste segregation and implementing waste-to-energy solutions.
• Empowering Workers: Training sanitation workers to enhance their roles and skills.
• Data-Driven Urban Planning: Providing insights for better waste management policies.
• Circular Economy: Partnering with recycling and composting facilities for resource reuse.
• Global Scaling: Adapting our model for international markets facing similar challenges.

Q.12: Who do you perceive as your competition, and how do you differentiate yourself?
Ans:

• Competition: Traditional waste management firms (e.g., Ramky Enviro), municipal services, and tech-driven startups (e.g., Saahas Zero Waste).
• Differentiation:
  • Tech Integration: Comprehensive waste management solutions using IoT and AI.
  • Worker-Centric Approach: Supporting sanitation workers with navigation tools and feedback channels.
  • Real-Time Monitoring: Providing municipalities with a centralized web portal for tracking and decision-making.
  • Community Engagement: Encouraging citizen feedback through our app for better compliance.
  • Flexible Pricing: Customizable packages tailored to community needs.
  • Advanced Analytics: Utilizing AI for route optimization and operational efficiency.
  • Zero-Waste Focus: Developing technology for landfill diversion and advanced waste processing.

Q.13: What are your goals for the next six months?
Ans: In the next six months, WeVOIS will focus on:

• Expansion: Launching services in 5 new cities (Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa) and onboarding 1-2 lakh additional households for cleaner cities.
• Technological Advancement: Upgrading tech infrastructure with AI and machine learning for improved route optimization and enhanced citizen app features like dynamic schedules and real-time feedback.
• Partnerships: Collaborating with municipalities to tailor solutions that demonstrate cost savings and operational efficiency, aiming for long-term contracts.
• Zero-Waste Initiatives: Piloting waste processing programs with segregation machinery and promoting composting and recycling to reduce landfill use.
• Worker Training: Implementing new training programs for sanitation workers to boost engagement, efficiency, and safety.

Q.14: What message do you want to convey to fellow entrepreneurs?
Ans: Waste management is a critical challenge that requires innovative, tech-driven solutions. Entrepreneurs can significantly impact public health and environmental quality by addressing all aspects of waste management.

Key lessons include:

• Persistence and Adaptability: Success involves overcoming obstacles; stay committed to your vision while learning from setbacks.
• Customer Understanding: Real innovation comes from listening to customers, partners, and critics, allowing for necessary pivots.
• Collaboration: We welcome partnerships and support from those passionate about waste management, emphasizing the need for collective effort.
• Patience: Building something meaningful takes time. Stay dedicated, adaptable, and focused on your problem-solving goals.

Together, we can transform waste management and create lasting change.