I-NEXSS is a collaborative innovation program designed to accelerate the development and deployment of next-generation solutions for non-sewered sanitation systems (NSSS). It is a joint initiative led by the IIT Palakkad Technology IHub Foundation (IPTIF) and the Global Sanitation Centre of Excellence (GSCOE) at IIT Palakkad. IPTIF, established under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) and funded by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), serves as a Technology Innovation Hub dedicated to leveraging advanced technologies for significant societal impact, particularly in critical infrastructure areas. The program also benefits from the support of the Gates Foundation, underscoring its commitment to addressing pressing global sanitation challenges and promoting sustainable development.
This program specifically targets innovation across three advanced technology tracks within NSSS: advanced membranes, digital technologies (including AI/ML), and affordable sensors. The core objective is to bridge the gap between laboratory-based research and successful, scalable field-scale implementation. I-NEXSS aims to identify, nurture, and support the development of technologies that are not only innovative but also scalable, cost-effective, and robust. These solutions are expected to meet stringent regulatory and performance standards set by key Indian bodies such as the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organisation (CPHEEO), as well as international standards like ISO 30500, ensuring their practical applicability and impactful deployment in diverse real-world scenarios across India and potentially beyond. The emphasis is on creating solutions that can transform sanitation access and public health in regions lacking conventional sewerage infrastructure.
I-NEXSS provides non-dilutive R&D grants, offering financial support for project needs without requiring any equity from the participating entities. The funding is disbursed on a milestone-based system, ensuring that financial releases are directly aligned with demonstrable project progress and the achievement of predefined technical and operational milestones. Supported activities include stages such as advanced prototype development, rigorous testing and validation processes under varied conditions, and essential field deployment efforts to prove viability. Preference is given to proposals that clearly demonstrate cost-effectiveness, high scalability potential, and innovative approaches to addressing complex sanitation challenges.
