IFC’s TechEmerge and IHCL to pilot sustainable cooling innovations in Indian Hotels

Chandigarh, January 28, 2022: Six cutting-edge innovators have been selected to partner with Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), to pilot new cost-effective, climate-smart cooling technologies, as part of IFC’s TechEmerge program.

The selected innovators are Paharpur Cooling Towers, IOTomation Ecotech, Green Efficient Solutions, Desiccant Rotors International, and Zenatix Solutions from India, and Elgressy Engineering Services from Israel. They will pilot their new space-cooling solutions at seven Taj hotels over the next 12-18 months, supported by a pool of up to $500,000 in total grant funding.

IFC’s TechEmerge Sustainable Cooling Innovation Program, which is funded by the UK Government's International Climate Finance (ICF), matches innovators across the world with leading companies in emerging markets to accelerate the adoption of solutions that make cooling more affordable and energy-efficient, while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

“Congratulations to Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) and its innovation partners for piloting more affordable and efficient cooling technologies,” said British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis. “This is an essential step for reducing emissions and delivering on the Glasgow Climate Pact agreed at COP26.”

“At IHCL, we constantly endeavor to contribute to preserving the environment in a meaningful way. Our partnership with IFC’s TechEmerge program and some of the world’s most exciting cooling innovators is a unique and industry-first collaboration creating sustainable solutions in the hospitality sector,” said Gaurav Pokhariyal, Senior Vice President & Global Head - Human Resources, IHCL.

India is one of the world’s fastest growing cooling markets, but conventional air-conditioning, refrigeration, and other cooling applications are highly expensive, consume large amounts of energy, and produce seven percent of greenhouse gases globally.

“Sustainable cooling is not a luxury but a necessity for managing energy demand and equitable energy access. It has far-reaching impacts on health and economic prosperity—while tackling the clear and present challenge of climate change. Through programs like TechEmerge, IFC supports private sector innovation to pave the way for scalable and cutting-edge cooling solutions, driving climate action and resilience across India and the region," said Wendy Werner, India Country Head at IFC.

In addition to funding, the TechEmerge Program also provides advisory support throughout field testing to help innovators mitigate financial and operational risks, reduce adoption risks for local firms, and facilitate market-entry and tech transfer. If the pilots are successful, IHCL and innovators may decide to enter commercial partnerships.

TechEmerge programs have helped to raise hundreds of millions of dollars in financing and investment, built commercial relationships, supported private sector growth in key sectors, and scaled disruptive solutions that are expected to benefit millions of people each year while addressing some of the world’s most pressing development challenges.