BoreCharger, a patented robotic technology, aims to recharge dry borewells in India, addressing the critical water scarcity issue. Founders Rahul Bak and Vineet Phatnes presented their solution on Shark Tank India, seeking investment to scale their operations and promote groundwater recharge.
In a recent episode of Shark Tank India, entrepreneurs Rahul Bak and Vineet Phatnes introduced their groundbreaking solution to a pressing issue in India: the depletion of groundwater resources. With approximately 4 crore reported borewells in the country, a staggering 54% are on the verge of drying up. The duo presented their innovative technology, BoreCharger, which aims to recharge these borewells and restore access to water.
Water is essential for life, yet millions face severe water scarcity due to dry borewells. The primary reason for this issue lies in the geological structure of the earth. Rainwater quickly fills the upper layers of soil, but it takes years for this water to reach deeper aquifers, often hundreds of feet below the surface. Traditional borewells, typically drilled between 200 to 600 feet, are unable to access this deeper water due to casing pipes that prevent the upper layer water from flowing down.
When electric pumps extract water from these borewells, they quickly run dry, leading to a cycle of water scarcity. This prompted Bak and Phatnes, both experts in their respective fields, to devise a solution.
BoreCharger is a patented robotic technology designed to recharge dry or low-yield borewells. The process begins with the installation of an underwater camera system to conduct an angiography of the borewell. This allows the team to assess the water levels and identify potential pathways for water to flow into the borewell.
Using their patented robotic tool, they create openings in the casing pipe, facilitating the movement of water from the upper layers into the borewell. This innovative approach has already resulted in the recharge of 4,000 borewells across India and Africa, providing an estimated 500 crore liters of water—equivalent to filling 2 lakh Olympic-sized swimming pools.
The founders aim to expand BoreCharger’s reach globally, with a target of recharging 1 lakh crore liters of water annually. To achieve this ambitious goal, they sought an investment of 75 lakh in exchange for equity in their company.
Rahul Bak is a mechanical engineer with a Master's degree in Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University. He has extensive experience in software development and social development, which led him to focus on groundwater issues in India.
Vineet Phatnes holds a Master's degree in Hydrogeology from Germany. He has a deep understanding of groundwater systems and has been instrumental in developing BoreCharger’s technology.
The BoreCharger technology operates by first conducting an angiography of the borewell using an underwater camera. This step is crucial for understanding the water flow and identifying the best approach to recharge the borewell. The robotic tool then creates openings in the casing pipe, allowing filtered water from the upper layers to flow into the borewell, effectively converting a non-performing asset into a productive one.
The market for borewell recharge is vast, with estimates suggesting there are between 6 to 8 crore borewells in India. The cost of drilling a new borewell can range from 70,000 to 18 lakh, depending on local geology and depth. In contrast, BoreCharger offers a more cost-effective solution, charging between 25,000 to 40,000 for their services.
The founders have reported a success rate of 92-95% in recharging borewells, with a lifetime revenue potential of around 8 crore per borewell. They plan to scale their operations through franchising, allowing others to invest in the technology and generate revenue.
During their pitch, the founders faced questions regarding the scalability of their business model and the regulatory risks associated with groundwater extraction. While the Sharks acknowledged the innovative nature of BoreCharger, concerns about the long-term sustainability and regulatory environment were raised.
Despite these challenges, the Sharks recognized the potential impact of BoreCharger on farmers and communities facing water scarcity. The founders received offers for investment, but they also countered with their valuation, reflecting their confidence in the technology and its market potential.
BoreCharger represents a significant step forward in addressing the critical issue of groundwater depletion in India. By leveraging innovative technology and a strong vision for sustainability, Rahul Bak and Vineet Phatnes are not only aiming to recharge borewells but also to create a lasting impact on water conservation efforts. As they seek to expand their operations, the future of BoreCharger looks promising, with the potential to transform the way we manage and utilize our precious water resources.
