Odisha-based startup Newrup Tech Solutions builds heat powered air blowers

Odisha-based startup, Newrup Tech Solutions has come up with heat-powered air blowers to reduce the harmful effects of carbon monoxide and other gases emanating from small earthen or brick stoves (chulha) and urn-shaped ovens (tandoor).

Anup Paikaray launched the company last year while pursuing a BTech from Odisha University of Technology and Research (OUTR). Paikaray passed out this year. The startup has five other members who are BTech third-year students of OUTR.

Primarily, Paikaray along with his friends build smokeless stoves for women in rural areas. However, they did not notice a significant demand for the stoves as each cost around Rs 1,500.

Then the team decided to build a cost-effective device which can be used to control the harmful gases coming out of earthen stoves and urn-shaped ovens. “The automatic heat-powered air blower has been named ‘Chuliv’. The device will harness the excess heat coming out from chulhas and tandoors and convert it into rotational energy for an internal fan attached to it. It will ensure oxygen supply inside the earthen stoves and reduce chances of inhaling toxic fumes while cooking,” said Paikaray.

Biomass stoves have been an integral part of rural households for many generations but there is a risk of indoor air pollution, pointed out Paikaray. “Our clean-cooking equipment has the potential to positively impact over two billion people in underdeveloped and developing countries, especially in regions like India, Africa, Philippines and Bangladesh”, said Paikaray.

The trial of the device is continuing and it is expected to be available in the market by November at a cost of Rs 500. Paikaray recently won the SmartIDEAthon 2023 - annual pan-India mega pitch-fest organised by GITAM (Deemed to be University) - for Newrup Tech’s innovation of heat-powered air blowers.