On National Startup Day, Hindustan Zinc Limited (NSE: HINDZINC), India’s largest and the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer, recognized the contribution of innovative startups driving operational improvements within the company. Hindustan Zinc has integrated cutting-edge technologies such as robotics, AI, blockchain, and IIoT throughout its operations, setting new benchmarks in the manufacturing industry. These startups focus on enhancing volume, optimizing costs, creating value, improving safety, and promoting sustainability.
The event saw several startups showcase the impact of their technologies, followed by a felicitation ceremony attended by Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc, and other key leaders. The company also announced plans to launch a mentoring program for startups, aimed at gaining deeper insights into the manufacturing sector. Eight startups were honored, including Infinite Uptime, Ripik.AI, Machine Max, Maximl Labs, Flux Auto, Detect Technologies, and Shark Tank India participant Jarsh Safety.
Currently, Hindustan Zinc collaborates with over 40 startups on more than 60 projects and is engaging with more than 50 startups through Vedanta Spark, a global accelerator program that helps startups tackle critical business challenges using emerging technologies. Under Vedanta Spark, Hindustan Zinc is exploring high-impact opportunities by utilizing AI, machine learning, drone tech, IoT, and AR/VR. These technologies help in process optimization, metal recovery, asset reliability, productivity, and sustainability.
Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc, remarked, “India’s startup ecosystem is at the heart of today’s innovations. By partnering with these new-age startups, we can stay ahead of industry trends and implement breakthrough technologies that ensure operational efficiency and foster a sustainable future in the metals industry.”
Hindustan Zinc is using Ripik.AI’s computer vision technology to optimize its smelting processes, improving cost efficiency, volume, and ESG standards. Ripik.AI’s founder, Pinak Dattatray, stated, “Our AI-powered solutions have enabled Hindustan Zinc to scale production, lower energy consumption, and reduce emissions across its plants.”
The company is also working with Jarsh Safety, a startup that develops smart safety wearables for industrial environments, focusing on reducing heat stress and improving worker safety. Jarsh Safety’s co-founder, Kausthub Kaundinya, shared, “Our smart cooling helmets align with Hindustan Zinc’s safety protocols, ensuring better health, fewer accidents, and greater productivity through AI-driven monitoring.”
Other startups partnered with Hindustan Zinc are leveraging AI analytics, IoT sensors, machine learning, and real-time diagnostics to monitor equipment and provide insights for performance optimization. Hindustan Zinc fosters a culture of innovation through its Innovation Cafés, which contribute to the company’s operational excellence and asset reliability.
Beyond technology, Hindustan Zinc is committed to social impact, supporting micro-enterprises and rural entrepreneurs. Its Sakhi initiative empowers women in rural Rajasthan, while its Upaya platform enables these women to sell products online. Hindustan Zinc has also supported numerous MSMEs in areas such as supply chain management and mine development.
Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company, is the second-largest integrated zinc producer globally and the third-largest silver producer. The company is recognized as the world’s most sustainable metals and mining company by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024.
Hindustan Zinc recently launched EcoZen, Asia’s first low-carbon ‘green’ zinc, produced using renewable energy with a carbon footprint 75% lower than the global average. The company is committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2050 and positively impacts the lives of 1.9 million people through its CSR initiatives, ranking among the Top 10 CSR companies in India. As a key player in the energy transition, Hindustan Zinc is crucial in supplying metals essential for a sustainable future.
