This Indian scientist in Kerala quit his high-paying corporate job in a pharma company to launch a mission to solve waste menace. This is the story of Dr. CN Manoj, who introduced a cost-effective and scientific waste disposal solution for apartments in Kerala and Bengaluru through his initiative ‘Kenterra.’
Dr. CN Manoj’s team collects various types of waste, segregates them, and disposes of them responsibly. Plastic is sent for recycling, medical waste undergoes proper treatment, and kitchen waste is treated in compost bins within the apartment premises.
He holds a Ph.D. in Natural Products Chemistry from Gandhigram Rural University, Tamil Nadu, India. After spending three years as a drug scientist and a year as Director (Technical) in nutraceutical industries, he decided to establish PBCL. This enterprise aims to be sustainable and socially responsible, with a focus on protecting the environment.
Dr. CN Manoj has initiated various programs and projects in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and New Delhi to promote sustainable lifestyles and eco-friendly practices.
His primary focus is on a sustainable business model with a socio-commercial theme of “Creating wealth from waste.” His projects involve turning waste into value-added products and raising awareness among the younger generation about urban waste management, leading to organic agriculture.
In 2021, he came up with a smart solution to help apartments in Kerala and Bengaluru get rid of waste in a cheap and scientific way. He started a thing called ‘Kenterra’ and created a technology to turn waste into compost right where it’s produced. This compost, which is like green gold, can be used instead of regular soil for gardening.
Here’s how it works: Dr. CN Manoj’s team picks up all kinds of waste, like things that can break down (like kitchen scraps), things that can’t break down (like plastic), and even sanitary waste, from people’s doors. After collecting it, they separate everything and get rid of it in a smart way. Plastic goes for recycling, medical waste goes to special treatment places, and things like kitchen waste are treated in special bins set up by Kenterra right in the apartment area.
The scientist also made something called ‘Composorb.’ It’s like a special mix that turns all the kitchen waste into really good compost that helps plants grow.
CN Manoj is currently involved in ongoing research projects with government organizations like DBT, DST, DRDO, ICMR, and several others in the pipeline with both government and private research institutions.
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