WayCool begins research on applying photonic technology for fruit ripeness detection

~ Signs MoU with IIITDM, Kanchipuram to use photonic technology to non-invasively detect ripening factor and rotten index of produce~ 

Chennai, June 2nd 2021: WayCool Foods, India's fastest growing Agri-commerce company, today signed a three year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Information Technology Design and Manufacturing (IIITDM) Kancheepuram". WayCool with the help of IIITDM’s photonic technology will build devices that detect ripening and rottenness in fruits and vegetables. The MoU was signed and exchanged between Mr. Karthik Jayaraman, CEO, WayCool Foods and Dr. M. D. Selvaraj, Dean SRIC, Sponsored research and Industrial consultancy, IIITDM. 

This unique non-invasive and non-destructive technology is a combination of Ultraviolet and Infrared rays that decode the ripening factor in fruits and vegetables thus helping in eliminating bad quality or infected produce. 

Once ready, the technology will help farmers check on the optimal time to harvest their produce. The non-invasive, non-destructive nature of the test would not only help to negate wastage and human contact but will also assist in much faster turnaround on the quality check of produce. Moving forward, this unique technology will be modeled into handheld devices for easy usage that will help to overall optimize the functioning at various junctions across India’s food supply chain.

Sharing thoughts on the MoU, Subramanian Akkulan, EVP Innovation, WayCool Foods, said, “At WayCool, we are constantly working on emerging technology that will help drive efficiency and reduce wastage in food supply chains. We have invested significant capital in industry-academia partnerships to develop a range of technologies such as coatings, modified atmosphere packaging solutions as well as rot and damage detection technology. We are extremely happy to be collaborating with IIITDM, a centre of excellence for technical education and research in the next generation of non-invasive testing technology for fresh produce. ”

Commenting on the MoU, Dr. M. D. Selvaraj, Dean SRIC, Sponsored research and Industrial consultancy, IIITDM said,  IIITDM Kancheepuram is the design centric engineering institution of national importance under the Ministry of Education (MOE), working to build a product development oriented ecosystem. Bio-inspired research and development (BiRD) Laboratory of IIITDM kancheepuram pursuing the research and developmental activities to support the prime sectors of India such as defence, medical, food and agriculture through state of the art photonic technology and bio-inspired technologies. BiRD lab at IIITDM Kancheepuram is committed to make this valuable collaboration with WayCool foods pvt ltd successful and put its sincere efforts to bring out viable photonic technologies for fruit monitoring.

This is Waycool’s fourth research and development partnership this year. WayCool earlier this year joined hands with IIT-Hyderabad, to work on food wastage reduction technologies, and Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT) to develop sustainable and optimal technology for enhancing the shelf life of selected fruits and vegetables. The company has also partnered with National Design and Research Forum to bring a wide range of technology into cultivation and post-harvest management of agri-produce.

About Waycool

WayCool Foods is India’s largest and fastest growing agri-commerce company. Focusing on food development and distribution, the company leverages innovative technology to scale and operate a complex supply chain from soil to sale. Through its farmer engagement program - Outgrow, WayCool works with 70000+ farmers. WayCool operates a full stack, broadline product range across multiple channels and categories such as fresh produce, staples, and dairy, serving over 50,000 clients in the general trade, modern trade, and food services space. Waycool's consumer brands basket consists of Madhuram, Dhanyaa, Shuddha, Kitchenji, L'exotique and Freshy's, to name a few.   

About IIITDM

Indian Institute of Information Technology Design and Manufacturing Kancheepuram (IIITDM Kancheepuram) is an institute of national importance established by the Ministry of Education, Government of India in 2007 to promote design and manufacturing-oriented engineering education and research, and product innovation. The institute offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs in science, engineering, and design. The institute has been ranked in the top 25 among central institutions in the Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievement (2020).