Chennai: A next-generation wastewater treatment technology BEADS, developed by IIT Madras-incubated startup JSP Enviro Pvt Ltd, has been successfully installed in industries in Erode district.

The 'Bio-Electrochemical Anaerobic Digestor System (BEADS)' delivers cost savings, energy recovery and carbon reduction for industries grappling with the dual challenge of managing wastewater and reducing carbon footprint, IIT Madras said in a release on Wednesday.

Established in 2019 by IIT Madras alumni, JSP Enviro works on treating and recycling industrial wastewater. The startup has made successful installations in two industrial units in Erode and Perundurai, demonstrating that sustainable wastewater management is both possible and profitable.

“While traditional aerobic systems consume large amounts of electricity to pump oxygen into effluents, BEADS operates without oxygen. By integrating electrodes with microbial treatment, the system increases the rate of organic waste degradation while recovering electricity from the waste,” JSP Enviro Co-Founder V T Fidal Kumar said.

He added that unlike electrolysis systems, BEADS does not require frequent electrode replacements or chemicals for treatment. The system can clean wastewater without using electricity and chemicals while producing minimal sludge.

Encouraged by its success, the startup is now looking to deploy the technology nationwide, the company said.