In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

CHANDIGARH: PolyCycl, an Chandigarh-based deep-tech company that has developed technology for chemical recycling of waste plastics, has received a Series A investment from Rainmatter, the climate and sustainability-focused investment initiative of Zerodha. The investment supports the next phase of deployment of PolyCycl’s technology platform, focused on enabling plastic-to-plastic circularity for hard-to-recycle plastics.

Developed over more than a decade of sustained R&D, PolyCycl’s fully-continuous chemical recycling technology platform converts low-grade waste plastics such as single-use polythene bags into liquid hydrocarbon oils, using a cost-effective, patented conversion process. These outputs are further refined using the company’s proprietary purification system and supplied to petrochemical and oil & gas companies, where they are used as feedstock for manufacturing a host of low-carbon materials, including new, food-grade virgin plastics.

Rainmatter’s financing forms part of PolyCycl’s ongoing capitalisation journey, which has followed a fiscally disciplined approach to deep-tech development, led by founder capital and selective strategic investments. The investment follows the launch of the company’s Generation VI technology platform in 2025. The platform has been validated through extended continuous operations, product pre-qualification by petchem majors, demonstrating technical maturity at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 and readiness for scalable deployments.

Amit Tandon, Founder & CEO, PolyCycl, said, “Chemical recycling is deep-tech by nature. Our focus has been on building technology that can operate reliably at industrial scale and integrate into circular petrochemical chains. Rainmatter’s investment strengthens our ability to move from technical maturity to wider deployment.”

Nithin Kamath, Founder at Zerodha and Rainmatter said, “One of the things we have constantly been chasing through Rainmatter is long term solutions to problems we see around us. Plastics and the end-of-life process around plastics need more teams working on it. PolyCycl is attempting to fix this plastics problem. We are excited to back them.”

Abhinav Singh Negi, Business and Investments, Rainmatter by Zerodha, said, “We want to back complex technologies that take time to build but have the potential to reshape entire sectors. PolyCycl fits this philosophy through its deep engineering focus and long-term intent. Platforms like this are essential to building credible circularity at scale. The collaboration brings together PolyCycl’s engineering-first approach with Rainmatter’s focus on intentional capital. What stood out for us was the depth of engineering maturity and the potential of the technology for both domestic and international licensing to meaningfully expand recycling of hard-to-recycle plastics.” 

PolyCycl will use the investment to fast-track commercial deployments of its chemical recycling technology with industrial partners, strengthen engineering and operational capabilities, and build execution teams to support scale-up and long-term licensing across domestic and global markets. The funding will also support efforts to deepen engagement with petrochemical and downstream manufacturing partners.

About PolyCycl
PolyCycl is an India-based for-purpose company that has developed chemical recycling technology to convert contaminated and hard-to-recycle waste plastics into hydrocarbon oils. These oils are used as circular feedstocks by petrochemical and oil and gas companies to manufacture new virgin plastics, sustainable fuels and renewable chemicals.

The company’s patented, full-continuous conversion architecture enables scalable deployment and capital-efficient projects, while also supporting low operating costs and strong project economics. Engineered to work with real-world post-consumer waste streams, the technology is designed for domestic and international licensing and to complement existing mechanical recycling and manufacturing infrastructure.

For more information, visit www.polycycl.com

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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