Karotimam
Karotimam Innovations Pvt Ltd

Green Electronics for Net Zero Carbon

We are a dynamic team of innovators and eco-champions, revolutionizing printed electronics for a smarter, sustainable future.

Karotimam black swan logo

Recognitions

Tata Steel MaterialNEXT
Boeing BUILD programme
Australian Aid
NIDHI PRAYAS, Department of Science and Technology
WE Hub
Promoted by FaMe TN
Funded by NIDHI PRAYAS through MaDeIT Innovation Foundation
Women-led startup nurtured by Virginia Tech India
UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

About Us

Welcome to Karotimam Innovations Pvt Ltd, where innovation seamlessly integrates with sustainability to tackle the pressing challenges of our time. Amid the transformative landscape of Industry 4.0, we lead the charge in providing avant-garde solutions.

What we assure our customers

  • Environmental Stewardship
  • Cost Savings in the Long Run
  • Compliance with Eco-friendly Regulations
  • Positive Brand Image and Consumer Perception

Driven by the imperative to address the High Carbon Footprint, Toxic Chemicals, and Non-Biodegradable Substrates inherent in conventional printing, we have developed products that confront these issues head-on. Acknowledging the urgent need for Sustainable Alternatives, our innovative approach is grounded in eco-friendly practices and materials.

In the thriving domain of printed electronics, the surge in demand for mountable substrates, e-inks, and surface-mountable chips brings with it new obstacles in traditional Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). At Karotimam Innovations, we pride ourselves on redefining electronics manufacturing by pioneering alternatives that combat the challenges posed by PCBs.

Our commitment extends beyond technological innovation to encompass environmental stewardship. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030, we are dedicated to Tackling Landfill Contamination and its Far-Reaching Consequences. In a world grappling with the undeniable environmental impact of conventional printing, our sustainable solutions stand as a beacon of hope.

Karotimam Innovations Pvt Ltd transcends being just a company; it embodies a commitment to forging a better, more sustainable future. Choosing our products means investing in cutting-edge technology while actively contributing to the global movement for a greener and more responsible world.

Mission

Karotimam Innovations Pvt Ltd is dedicated to pioneering advancements in flexible green electronics components, driven by a mission to significantly reduce the carbon footprint across industries. Our commitment lies in developing innovative solutions that not only meet the highest standards of performance but also contribute to environmental sustainability. Through relentless innovation and a focus on eco-friendly technology, we aim to empower businesses and individuals alike to make responsible choices that positively impact the planet.

Vision

Karotimam Innovations envisions a future where flexible green electronics seamlessly integrate into everyday life, transforming industries and consumer experiences while fostering environmental stewardship. We aspire to be a global leader in sustainable technology, inspiring positive change and setting new benchmarks for eco-conscious innovation. Our vision extends beyond profitability, aiming to create a lasting legacy of responsible technological solutions that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12, fostering sustainable consumption and production by 2030.

Products

Sustainable building blocks for printed and flexible electronics.

Flexil biodegradable flexible substrate
Substrate

Flexil

A ready-to-print, flexible, foldable, rollable, biodegradable and biocompatible substrate for any printing technology.

Graphene oxide e-ink
Ink

E-Ink

Electronic ink made from coal-derived graphene oxide: low power, high contrast and 3D-printable onto devices and PCBs.

Flexztron surface mounted flexible circuit
Circuits

Flexztron

Surface-mounted circuits on sustainable flexible substrates.

Services

End-to-end support for sustainable electronics, from design to end of life.

Pre-Manufacturing Services

  • Design and Engineering Support: Customized design and engineering services that help clients optimize their products for flexible and sustainable substrates, including simulation and modeling tools, feasibility studies and material selection guidance.
  • Prototyping and Pilot Production: Build prototypes and run pilot production batches so clients can validate their designs and test their manufacturing processes before scaling up.
  • Sustainability Consulting: Expertise in sustainable material selection, life cycle assessment, and end-of-life recycling programs to help clients achieve their environmental goals.
Designing printed circuits

Domain

Where our sustainable substrates make a difference. Tap a card to learn more.

Team

Dr. Chithra Lekha P

Dr. Chithra Lekha P, PhD

Founder, Director & CEO

A distinguished researcher in Advanced Materials and an innovator in Healthcare Technologies, with a decade of expertise in innovation and research.

Sanal K Mohanan

Sanal K Mohanan

Founder, Director & CTO

An accomplished professional in Applied Mechanics and a visionary in business and innovation, with 9 years of invaluable experience.

News

Milestones, recognitions and perspectives from the Karotimam team.

Karotimam team at MaDeIT Innovation Foundation

Nurturing Innovation as Nidhi Prayasee

Chithra Lekha P · Research

Karotimam's onboarding at MaDeIT Innovation Foundation, IIITDM Kancheepuram, backed by a ₹10 lakh Nidhi Prayas grant.

BUILD 3.0 Boeing Innovation Challenge

Karotimam Innovations Triumphs

Sanal K Mohanan · Research

Winners of the regional pitch at the BUILD 3.0 Boeing Innovation Challenge, IIT Madras Incubation Cell.

Sustainability in Industry 4.0

Harmonizing Progress

Chithra Lekha P · Research

Why innovations must embrace sustainability in Industry 4.0.

Career

Join us in building the next generation of green electronics.

Apply for an Internship

We welcome curious students and early-career researchers who want to work on sustainable materials, printed electronics and flexible devices.

  • Hands-on work with biodegradable substrates and functional inks
  • Mentoring from founders with deep research backgrounds
  • Real projects aligned with UN SDG 12

Prefer email? Write to karotimam@gmail.com.

Opens your email app with the details filled in, addressed to karotimam@gmail.com.

Contact

Talk to us about substrates, inks, prototyping or partnerships.

Location

#D-403, IIT Madras Research Park, Taramani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India – 600 113
Find us on Google Maps Get directions

Opens your email app with your message addressed to karotimam@gmail.com.

Flexil

Product Description

Flexil is a ready-to-print, single-part, flexible, foldable, rollable, biodegradable and biocompatible substrate. It is compatible with any kind of printing technology and any electronic inks, such as metal nanoparticle or 2D inks, with no need for pre-processing or post-processing.

Product Benefits: Green Foundation for Electronics

Flexil Data Sheet

Thermal and Mechanical Properties
Thermal degradation230 °C
Tensile stress41.66 MPa
Tensile strain3.8%
Hardness69.51 MPa
Elastic modulus832.84 MPa
Penetration depth3.5 µm
Contact angle64.72°
WettabilityGood
Surface energyHigh
Biosensing Properties for Glucose
Vmax138.28 µV
Km35.38 mM
Power generated71.4 nW
Current output1679.61 nA

Applications

Enquire about Flexil

E-Ink

Product Description

E-ink, short for electronic ink, is a display technology known for its low power consumption, high contrast, and readability in various lighting conditions. Our e-ink uses graphene oxide derived from coal and is integrated into electronic devices and printed circuit boards (PCBs) using 3D printing technology.

Coal-derived graphene oxide offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional manufacturing methods. Graphene oxide has excellent electrical conductivity and mechanical flexibility, making it ideal for electronic applications. The resulting e-ink is lightweight and durable, and reduces the environmental impact of electronic device production.

3D printing enables precise deposition of graphene oxide e-ink on various substrates, enabling flexible and customizable electronic components and PCBs tailored to specific device requirements, with enhanced durability, energy efficiency and versatility.

Product Benefits

E-Ink Data Sheet

FormLiquid
Composition (solid content)20%
Resistivity32.64 – 48.73 Ω·cm
Thermal annealing80 °C for 1 h, film thickness 48 µm
Particle size~3 µm
Zeta potential27 mV
Viscosity~1.67 Pa·s (25 °C), shear rate 10 s⁻¹
Density1.020 g/ml at 25 °C
Surface tension60.56 mN/m

Applications

Enquire about E-Ink

Flexztron

Flexztron surface mounted circuit

Surface Mounted Circuits

Flexztron brings surface-mounted components onto sustainable, flexible substrates, combining the reliability of conventional electronics with the environmental benefits of green materials.

Detailed specifications are available on request.

Request specifications

Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)

Biosensors

Printed Fuel Cell Based Self-powered Devices

Wearables

Printed Supercapacitors

Flexible Solar Cells

Flexible Touch Screens

Temperature Sensors

Strain Sensors

Antennas

Near Field Communication (NFC)

Nurturing Innovation as Nidhi Prayasee

Chithra Lekha P · Dec 12, 2023

Karotimam Innovations' Transformative Onboarding at MaDeIT Innovation Foundation, IIITDM Kancheepuram. In December 2023, MaDeIT Innovation Foundation at IIITDM Kancheepuram witnessed a surge of excitement as Karotimam Innovations Pvt Ltd, a women-led startup nurtured by Virginia Tech India, embarked on a groundbreaking journey of innovation and collaboration. This marked the initiation of a promising partnership, with special support through the Nidhi Prayas grant from the Government of India, aimed at revolutionizing flexible green electronics and contributing significantly to sustainability.

The MaDeIT Innovation Foundation Experience

Karotimam Innovations found a transformative environment as a Prayasee at MaDeIT Innovation Foundation, where cutting-edge facilities, mentorship programs, and collaborative spaces provided the ideal ecosystem for fostering innovation. Surrounded by like-minded entrepreneurs and seasoned mentors, Karotimam's team found inspiration to elevate their technological advancements to new heights.

Nidhi Prayas Grant: Catalyst for Innovation

At the heart of this onboarding journey was substantial support from the Nidhi Prayas grant, a grant of 10 lakhs from the Government of India through MaDeIT. This funding has become the driving force behind Karotimam's quest to enhance surface mountability on the Flexzil substrate, a biodegradable, biocompatible, flexible, foldable, and printable substrate for sustainable printed electronics.

Flexzil: Revolutionizing Substrate Technology

Flexzil, with its unique blend of flexibility and sustainability, is poised to redefine the landscape of printed electronics. The Nidhi Prayas grant, combined with MaDeIT's support, empowers Karotimam to push the boundaries of innovation. This endeavor aligns with global sustainability goals and positions Flexzil as a frontrunner in green substrate technology, reducing electronic waste and introducing novel possibilities for foldable and printable electronic devices.

Conclusion

As Karotimam Innovations embarks on this transformative journey at MaDeIT Innovation Foundation, the Nidhi Prayas grant sets the stage for groundbreaking developments in flexible green electronics. With a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and collaboration, this partnership is poised to make a lasting impact on printed electronics, in alignment with the global commitment to achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12 by 2030.

Karotimam Innovations Triumphs

Sanal K Mohanan · Mar 19, 2023

A Resounding Victory at BUILD 3.0 Boeing Innovation Challenge Regional Pitch. In a dazzling display of innovation, Karotimam Innovations Pvt Ltd, led by the dynamic trio of Dr. Chithra Lekha P, Dr. Mareeswari P, and Sanal K Mohanan, emerged victorious at the regional pitch of the BUILD 3.0 Boeing Innovation Challenge, held at IIT Madras Incubation Cell in December. This achievement places them at the forefront of India's startup ecosystem, having been shortlisted from an impressive pool of 1,020 national applicants and 270 regional contenders.

Boeing's Commitment to Innovation

Boeing's commitment to investing in the future of innovation is exemplified through initiatives like the Boeing University Innovation Leadership Development (BUILD) program. Boeing recognizes the potential of young minds and startups, contributing to the vibrant startup ecosystem in India through collaborations and partnerships.

BUILD 3.0: Shaping the Future of Innovation

The BUILD program, now in its 3.0 iteration, signifies Boeing's dedication to engaging with the entire student-to-startup community. For BUILD 2023, Boeing India joined forces with IITM Incubation Cell, offering a platform for innovators like Dr. Chithra Lekha P, Dr. Mareeswari P, and Sanal K Mohanan to refine and shape their breakthrough ideas into tangible products.

Karotimam's Triumph

Karotimam Innovations' victory at the regional pitch is a testament to their innovative prowess and dedication to transforming ideas into reality. Shortlisted from a highly competitive pool of applicants, their success highlights the caliber of their work in flexible green electronics.

Boeing's Role in BUILD 2023

Boeing India's collaboration with IITM Incubation Cell is a pivotal step in fostering innovation. By providing knowledge, expertise, and a platform for collaboration, Boeing actively contributes to the growth of the startup ecosystem in India. The BUILD program welcomes students and early-stage entrepreneurs at the pre-seed idea stage, creating an inclusive space for groundbreaking ideas.

The BUILD Program: A Call to Innovators

Karotimam Innovations' triumph at the regional pitch of the BUILD 3.0 Boeing Innovation Challenge is a beacon of success in India's innovation landscape. Boeing's commitment to nurturing talent and fostering collaborations with institutions like IITM Incubation Cell reflects a shared vision for an innovative and sustainable future. We wish our team the best for their participation in the National Pitch at Bangalore in February 2024.

Harmonizing Progress

Chithra Lekha P · Jun 24, 2023

Why Innovations Must Embrace Sustainability in Industry 4.0. As we navigate the dynamic landscape of Industry 4.0, marked by the fusion of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and smart manufacturing, it becomes increasingly evident that innovation and sustainability are intertwined imperatives. Here we explore the symbiotic relationship between technological advancements and sustainability goals, and why innovations in Industry 4.0 should be guided by a commitment to environmental responsibility.

The marriage of innovation and sustainability is not just a choice but a necessity in Industry 4.0. By embracing a holistic approach that considers environmental, social, and economic impacts, we pave the way for a future where technological advancement drives economic growth and contributes to a more sustainable and equitable world.