A promising innovation in green construction is emerging from Bengaluru’s Indian Institute of Science. Novacret, a startup incubated at the Foundation for Science, Innovation and Development (FSID), is set to launch its revolutionary green cement product by September 2025. The product boasts up to 80% lower carbon emissions and eliminates the need for water during curing, making it both eco-friendly and water-efficient. Rooted in circular economy principles, Novacret uses industrial waste—including fly ash from power plants and slag from steel industries—as raw materials, drastically cutting environmental impact while offering a cost advantage.
The performance metrics of Novacret are compelling. Unlike conventional concrete, which typically takes 28 days to reach full strength, Novacret products achieve the same in just three days. Additionally, they are currently 10–15% cheaper than traditional concrete offerings, and the cost is expected to drop further with scale. Its product line includes a wide variety of precast items such as pavers, kerbstones, AAC blocks, CLC panels, facades, and porous pavers—all packaged in innovative compostable bags to minimize plastic waste.
The startup has already attracted interest from major players in the real estate and infrastructure sector, including pilot projects with large construction firms and potential collaborations with the Karnataka government. Novacret also plans to incorporate agricultural waste into its production in the coming years, which could have a significant impact on reducing stubble burning and air pollution in northern India. This could further boost India’s climate targets under global frameworks like the Paris Agreement.
Internationally, Novacret is eyeing partnerships in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. It recently showcased its technology at the World Future Energy Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi and was among 12 startups featured at India’s Construction Tech Demo Day. Backed by grants from the Department of Science and Technology and Zerodha CSR, the startup is now preparing for its first seed funding round to support its next stage of growth.
Novacret’s broader vision aligns closely with the concept of “Drawdown,” a framework proposed by Paul Hawken for reversing global warming within a generation. With construction accounting for over 25% of global carbon emissions, Novacret offers a viable, scalable path for decarbonising the sector. The startup estimates that the market potential for its products in India exceeds $1 billion, with engineering blocks alone worth $1.3 billion. Globally, the precast concrete market is pegged at $166 billion, and Novacret aims to capture at least 10% of that within the next five years. By converting industrial and agricultural waste into high-performance construction material, Novacret is more than just a green cement startup—it represents a blueprint for sustainable urban development. If adopted at scale, it could slash the construction industry’s carbon footprint by half within a decade, delivering tangible climate action from the ground up.
