IIT Grads Revolutionize Energy Efficiency

An idea born in IIT Bombay dormitories in 2023 is now poised to reshape India's energy landscape. Rhygen, a deep-tech startup founded by IIT Bombay graduates, has spent nearly two years developing and testing its innovative energy-saving technology before its public launch this week. The company aims to significantly reduce energy losses in vehicles and industrial systems.

Rhygen's initial product is a series hybrid powertrain for light commercial vehicles, particularly effective in the stop-and-go traffic common in cities. By dynamically switching between engine and battery power, their prototype integrated into a Tata Ace achieved a dramatic increase in overall system efficiency, boosting mileage by over 100%.

Opting for a hybrid approach over full electrification, Rhygen prioritizes commercial operators' needs for maximum payload and minimal downtime, utilizing a smaller battery pack to reduce weight and avoid lengthy charging stops. The company states its modular hardware and software can be adapted for diverse applications, including diesel generator sets, ships, defense platforms, and drones. Rhygen's forward-looking vision prioritizes the development of systems that minimize energy waste, emphasizing practical impact over public announcements.

"The road ahead won't be measured by announcements or headlines, but by systems that consume less, waste less and achieve more," the company stated. Their core mission remains consistent: enhancing efficiency across energy generation, transmission, and conversion.