Pallavi Luharuka is a shining example & true inspiration for entrepreneurs in Jadavpur University
09 June 2023
The department of Chemical Engineering was founded in 1921, and a former student of Bengal National College under the National Council of Education (NCE) Prof. Hiralal Roy founded the department. The establishment of the department of chemical engineering was the first of its kind in India. The purpose of the department was imparting scientific and technical education as well as developing entrepreneurs who could challenge the hegemony of the British at that time.
Graduated in 2012 from the Department of Chemical Engineering as the Gold Medalist, Pallavi Luharuka is a shining example & true inspiration for entrepreneurs in Jadavpur University. During a recent discussion with the GJUAF team, Pallavi shared her incredible journey. With over a decade of experience in the Oil & Gas sector and a strong commitment to sustainability and accessible technology innovations, she founded her own company, Royal Bengal Greentech (RBG) in Kolkata, West Bengal. After graduating from the Chemical Engineering department, Pallavi worked at Honeywell while simultaneously pursuing her MBA. In June 2022, she established RBG with the ambitious goal of creating sustainable employment opportunities on a large scale in India.
Driven by her unwavering pursuit of excellence and expertise in technology innovation, Pallavi has propelled RBG to a new height. Her dedication culminated in a resounding victory at the Green Bengal Innovation Contest, where RBG emerged as the top choice among 250 contestants. The key to Pallavi's success lies in RBG's groundbreaking invention: the world's first cost-effective and biodegradable thermosetting bioplastic. Such a polymer not only secured her victory in the Green Bengal Innovation Contest but also showcased the harmonious coexistence of sustainable and commercially viable solutions. Her entrepreneurial journey started with two other innovations: sustainable and biodegradable lubricant or grease for electric vehicles and bio-ethanol from broken rice. Through a fruitful collaboration with Prof. Ranjana Chowdhury, Professor and Former Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering at Jadavpur University, RGB demonstrated an efficient (2X) conversion of waste broken rice into ethanol compared to the conventional process.
During our conversation, Pallavi revealed that her entrepreneurial journey has been fortified by the skills she honed during her time at Jadavpur University, her extensive industrial knowledge, and her continuous pursuit of education. Her accomplishments, including three granted patents with Honeywell and two pending patents with RBG, underscore the profound connection between her academic background and her entrepreneurial endeavors. By pushing boundaries and challenging conventional norms, Pallavi not only serves as a beacon of inspiration for JU students and scholars but also motivates fellow entrepreneurs to embrace innovation and drive positive change in their respective fields. Her story resonates deeply, igniting a passion for innovation and empowering individuals to make a lasting impact in the realm of green technology. Pallavi is a source of pride for all Jadavpurians, and the GJUAF team wishes her continued success on her journey.