Harvard Business School Case Study on Solinas
Solinas Integrity Private Limited, a deep‑tech robotics startup incubated at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, has been selected as the subject of a case study published by Harvard Business Publishing. The case, authored by Dr. Suresh Srinivasan of the Great Lakes Institute of Management, documents Solinas’ journey, innovation, and expanding impact across India’s water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector.
Company Overview and Technology Portfolio
Solinas focuses on underground urban water and wastewater infrastructure, developing robotics and AI‑led solutions for inspection, cleaning, digitisation and management of invisible networks. Its product portfolio includes robotic inspection systems, AI‑powered analytics platforms, a Manhole Cleaning Robot, the ENDOBOT Robotic Crawler, and the HOMOSEP system that mechanises manhole cleaning to eliminate manual scavenging.
Deployment Footprint
The company’s solutions have been deployed in more than 30 Indian cities, partnering with municipal utilities and water boards such as the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB), Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB), Sangli and Miraj Municipal Corporations, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation, Tripura Jal Board, Greater Chennai Corporation and Noida Authority. Internationally, Solinas’ ENDOBOT robotic solution is operational with Dubai Municipality, and the firm plans to expand further across the Middle East.
Measurable Impact
According to the case study, Solinas’ technology can reduce water loss by up to 600,000 litres per kilometre of inspected pipeline each day and lower operational costs by as much as five times compared with conventional manual methods. These outcomes improve public health, enhance climate resilience and deliver significant cost efficiencies for utilities and industries.
Recognition and Leadership Quote
The startup has been recognised and honoured by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its contributions to critical public infrastructure. Co‑founder and Chief Executive Officer Divanshu Kumar stated that the Harvard Business School case will serve as a global learning resource for MBA students, policymakers and business leaders, underscoring Solinas’ model of public‑private collaboration and impact‑driven growth.
Future Outlook
Solinas aims to broaden its footprint across additional Indian cities and to scale its presence in global markets, continuing to leverage robotics, artificial intelligence and intelligent underground infrastructure management to create safer, more sustainable and resilient urban systems.