Revolutionizing Cold Chain Logistics in India
An innovative battery-powered refrigeration system, developed by IIT Delhi alumna Shaivee Malik and her startup Yotuh Energy, is set to transform cold chain logistics in India. This groundbreaking technology allows trucks to maintain optimal temperatures for perishable goods without relying on the vehicle's engine, significantly reducing operational costs and combating the substantial food waste prevalent across the country.
The Yotuh Energy Innovation: How It Works
Shaivee Malik, alongside co-founders Vivek Mahindrakar and Dharmik Bapodara, all former members of IIT Delhi's Formula Racing team, established Yotuh Energy in 2022. Their flagship product is a refrigeration unit powered by its own dedicated lithium-ion battery. Unlike conventional systems that draw power directly from the truck's engine, Yotuh Energy's solution operates independently.
This autonomy offers crucial advantages: the cooling unit continues to function even when the truck's engine is off, eliminating diesel consumption during idling. It also ensures uninterrupted refrigeration if the vehicle breaks down mid-route, safeguarding sensitive cargo. The system is designed to be retrofitted onto existing diesel trucks as well as integrated into electric vehicles, providing cooling for six to eight hours on a single charge. Door-mounted sensors further optimize cooling by adjusting output based on door openings.
Significant Cost Savings and Environmental Impact
The economic benefits of Yotuh Energy's system are substantial. The company claims its technology can reduce refrigeration running expenses by approximately 75% compared to traditional engine-dependent units. This efficiency not only translates to considerable savings for transport operators but also has a positive environmental footprint.
Each unit is estimated to prevent between three and 36 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, depending on its usage. By decoupling refrigeration from engine operation, Yotuh Energy addresses a long-standing inefficiency in transport logistics where cooling gear unnecessarily consumes diesel while trucks are stationary.
From IIT Delhi to Market Success
Yotuh Energy began its journey with initial financial backing from Malik's family. The startup later secured vital government assistance, including grants from schemes designed to support innovative ventures. A significant grant helped fund the development of early prototypes, paving the way for further investment.
The company subsequently raised around ₹1.53 crore in a funding round and received additional grants from key bodies such as the agriculture ministry and the science and technology department. Yotuh Energy has already onboarded paying customers, including distributors for major brands like Amul ice cream and McCain frozen foods, demonstrating the market's readiness for such a solution. Malik emphasizes that Yotuh Energy aims to be a comprehensive cooling solutions provider, seeing trucks as an initial entry point to address inefficient temperature maintenance during transit.