How E-Revive Came to Life: A Shared Passion for Technology and the Environment.
The journey of E-Revive began with a shared concern among a group of mechanical engineering students for the growing problem of electronic waste (E-waste) and their collective passion for technology. Each team member brought a unique skill set to the table, ranging from environmental science to app development and supply chain management. This diverse expertise sparked an idea—could they leverage technology to create a more efficient and sustainable way to manage E-waste? The vision for E-Revive was born: an app that would streamline the entire E-waste supply chain, from collection and transportation to responsible recycling and disposal. E-Revive isn’t just a business; it’s a mission to promote a circular economy for electronics waste and foster a greener future.
Addressing a National Challenge: The E-Waste Crisis in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is facing a rapidly growing E-waste problem, with an estimated 30 lakh tons of E-waste generated annually, and this figure is expected to increase by 30% each year. The informal recycling sector, which lacks regulation and safety measures, exposes workers to hazardous substances. Unfortunately, only 3% of E-waste in Bangladesh is managed properly, with the remaining 97% ending up in landfills or being improperly disposed of, releasing harmful pollutants into the environment. E-Revive recognizes these significant environmental and public health challenges and is determined to address them through innovative solutions.
E-Revive’s inception was driven by both challenges and opportunities related to E-waste management. The global increase in E-waste and the inefficiencies of traditional recycling methods highlighted the need for a more organized and transparent system. E-Revive saw an opportunity to leverage technology to create a digitalized E-waste supply chain management app. This platform would improve traceability and accountability in the recycling process, connect E-waste generators with responsible recyclers, and streamline the collection and processing of E-waste. By creating an organized E-waste supply chain, E-Revive is poised to tackle these challenges and capitalize on the opportunities presented by a growing E-waste problem.
The moment E-Revive's name was announced as a recipient of pre-seed funding from the University Innovation Hub Program; Cohort-01 was nothing short of exhilarating for the team. It was a powerful validation of their hard work and commitment to solving the E-waste problem. This recognition serves as a catalyst, motivating the team to accelerate the development of their Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and to make a tangible difference in E-waste management.
With pre-seed funding in hand, E-Revive is focused on several key areas to drive their startup forward:
Product Development: Refining their MVP, concentrating on core functionalities, and ensuring seamless integration with existing systems.
Market Expansion: Targeting specific niches, developing a robust go-to-market strategy, and building strategic partnerships.
Team Growth: Assembling a core team, prioritizing essential roles, and investing in team development to ensure they have the talent needed to achieve their goals.
The University Innovation Hub Program has been instrumental in E-Revive's growth, offering invaluable resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Through workshops on business plan development, fundraising, and app development, the team gained the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the startup landscape. Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs provided critical guidance on E-waste management and the challenges of a digital startup. The Hub’s vibrant ecosystem fostered connections with other student founders and potential investors while providing a supportive community that encouraged innovation and perseverance. For E-Revive, the University Innovation Hub Program has been more than just a launchpad—it has been the foundation for their entrepreneurial journey.
