Large volumes of dry, non-recyclable waste are generated daily in Indian cities, which municipal collection systems often cannot manage effectively. Traditional waste management methods involve transporting garbage by trucks to distant landfills, dumpsites, and open incinerators. Since collection and transportation systems cannot keep up with the volume, a significant amount of sanitary, medical, and rejected waste remains untreated, ending up in open pits for burning, waterways, or soil as toxic liquid.
Neo San, a Bangalore-based company, aims to solve this problem by treating non-recyclable waste where it is generated, using compact thermal treatment units. The startup was founded in 2022 by CEO Dhavaj Bagrecha, who leveraged his experience in urban planning and waste infrastructure.
Bagrecha, who holds a degree in economics and finance from Jain University in Bangalore, affiliated with Bangalore University, observed that consumption growth is outpacing the capabilities of municipal waste management systems. This prompted him to develop equipment capable of on-site waste treatment.
Waste Treatment at Source
Neo San's product range includes the Neo-X model, a wall-mounted device designed for bathrooms and standalone commercial buildings, capable of processing up to 25 kg of waste per day. The Neo-XT model is designed to process 150 kg daily and is intended for technology parks, small hospitals, and commercial complexes. The third model, AX, is developed for industrial manufacturing enterprises processing 500 kg or more per day.
The technology utilizes rapid high-temperature electric heating based on induction principles. According to the startup, the system reaches a temperature of 1200 degrees Celsius in just two minutes with minimal electricity consumption. The thermal process reduces the volume of waste to sterile, non-toxic ash. Neo San is also developing centralized facilities for collecting residues and converting them into construction bricks.
The startup holds two patents for its thermal treatment technology, with another 13 patent applications pending review. Bagrecha asserts that, when calculating the life cycle, local treatment reduces emissions by 98% compared to collection and landfilling. He explains that the savings are achieved through the patented thermal process and the elimination of the need to transport waste by truck.
Neo San manufactures its own equipment and provides software tools for facility staff. The company operates on a managed service model, providing equipment maintenance and sending regular tracking reports to clients' sustainability teams. Clients can either purchase the machines outright or pay a monthly maintenance fee. The startup serves corporate offices, medical institutions, government bodies, and commercial real estate clients.
Neo San positions itself as a seed-to-growth stage startup and has attracted a total of 26 crore rupees in funding. Its clients include Taj, Embassy, and the Government of Karnataka, as well as factories and data centers. Over the next year, the company plans to expand its service operations to four additional states and launch a specialized version of Neo-XT for processing biomedical waste. Neo San is part of the Tech30 cohort from YourStory—a showcase of India's most promising startups in 2026, presented at the TechSparks Bengaluru event.