Walmart has announced new strategic pilot programs in partnership with three India-based startups to enhance the resilience of its US supply chain operations. The startups—KBCols Sciences, GreenPod Labs, and Cropin—were chosen after participating in Walmart’s Growth Summit in India last year. The programs aim to bring innovative solutions that will improve Walmart’s sourcing processes, focusing on sustainability and efficiency.
The new pilot programs aim to tackle several challenges faced by Walmart’s supply chain, including improving product freshness, reducing waste, and finding sustainable alternatives in manufacturing. These solutions will not only benefit Walmart’s US operations but also have the potential to be scaled globally, making the supply chain more adaptable to future challenges.
KBCols Sciences Introduces Sustainable Dyes
KBCols Sciences, based in Pune, manufactures non-GMO natural dyes made from agricultural waste. The pilot will test these sustainable dyes as alternatives to synthetic dyes used in textile manufacturing. By using these natural dyes, Walmart hopes to reduce water and energy consumption in the production process, making it more eco-friendly.
GreenPod Labs, based in Chennai, has developed a technology that uses plant extract sachets to slow down the ripening of fruits and vegetables. This technology helps extend the freshness of produce during transportation, reducing food waste and improving supply chain efficiency. Walmart will work with UC Davis to pilot this technology and evaluate its effectiveness in real-world conditions.
Cropin Uses AI to Improve Crop Health and Yield
Cropin, a startup that uses AI-driven technology, focuses on improving crop health and optimizing yields. The pilot program will help Walmart improve sourcing for perishable products by providing more accurate data on crop yields and seasonal transitions. This will reduce waste and ensure that high-quality produce is available to customers.
Kyle Carlyle, Vice President of Sourcing Innovation & Surety of Supply at Walmart, emphasized the importance of technology in building a more resilient supply chain. He said, “By collaborating with global innovators, we’re leveraging fresh ideas to build a more resilient supply network.” Walmart continues to seek out new ideas and technologies to improve its supply chain operations and increase sustainability.
The Walmart Growth Summit in India is part of a series of events designed to connect entrepreneurs with Walmart’s extensive supply chain network. The initiative allows innovators to showcase technologies that align with Walmart’s goals of improving operational efficiency and sustainability. Walmart has previously worked with other companies like Agritask, unspun, and Rubi Laboratories to drive innovation in its operations.
Startups Express Excitement for Partnership with Walmart
The leaders of the startups involved in the pilot programs expressed their excitement about working with Walmart. Vaishali Kulkarni, CEO of KBCols Sciences, spoke about the potential to revolutionize the textile industry with sustainable dyeing practices. Deepak Rajmohan, CEO of GreenPod Labs, highlighted the importance of reducing food waste, while Krishna Kumar, CEO of Cropin, emphasized the shared commitment to building resilient food systems.
These new pilot programs are part of Walmart’s ongoing efforts to innovate its supply chain operations. By partnering with innovative Indian startups, Walmart is taking steps to create a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient supply chain that can better handle future challenges and benefit global sourcing.
