Cluix: Real-Time Water Testing Powered by IoT Innovation

In the heart of New Delhi, CLUIX Private Limited is spearheading a transformation in water safety. The startup was founded in September 2021 by Mr. Chitranjan Singh, a veteran civil engineer with over 30 years of experience in defence infrastructure. During his tenure constructing strategic water systems in India's remotest regions, Singh identified a stark gap: despite advanced infrastructure, many communities lacked access to safe drinking water.

Motivated by these field observations, Singh envisioned a solution that could democratise water testing. He brought on board his son, Robin Singh, an electrical and electronics engineer specialising in IoT and cleantech. Their partnership laid the foundation for CLUIX, a company committed to decentralising and modernising water quality monitoring.

Building a Purpose-Driven Enterprise

CLUIX's mission is clear, to create disruptive, affordable technologies that enable real-time water testing, particularly in underserved areas. The company's flagship device, the C012, exemplifies this vision. It is a handheld, IoT-enabled analyser capable of measuring over 12 critical water parameters on the spot, including fluoride, nitrate, iron, pH, and TDS. By integrating techniques like colourimetric analysis and automated titration, the C012 offers lab-grade accuracy in a portable form.

What sets Cluix apart is its end-to-end design philosophy. The analyser, paired with a cloud backend, facilitates instant reporting and actionable insights. This reduces delays, bypasses the need for lab personnel, and brings timely data to the frontlines of public health decision-making.

Team and Structure

At the helm are Chitranjan Singh, who leads strategic direction and field operations, and Robin Singh, who steers technology and growth. Their leadership is supported by a robust organisational structure comprising four verticals: Technology, R&D, Revenue and Sales, and Marketing & Communication.

Cluix seeks talent driven by curiosity and impact, valuing mindset over formal credentials. This approach has fostered a culture of innovation and resilience, critical for a startup tackling real-world challenges.

Institutional Backing and Recognition

Cluix's journey has been bolstered by support from premier incubators, including IITD-FITT, SIIC-IIT Kanpur, KIIT-TBI, and IIT Palakkad. These institutions provided essential mentorship, seed funding, technical infrastructure, and access to strategic networks.

The company has earned multiple accolades, such as the Jal Jeevan Mission Innovation Challenge (2021), the CII-Triveni National Award for Innovation (2023), and recognition at Tech2Impact Vienna and SLUSH 2024.

Addressing a Massive Market Gap

Traditional water testing is often slow and centralised, making it ineffective for urgent interventions. Cluix disrupts this model by delivering rapid, on-site results. Its clientele includes government bodies, municipal boards, NGOs, and industries with compliance mandates.

With India’s water testing market valued at approximately $2.04 billion and global potential nearing $46 billion, Cluix is well-positioned to scale. Their goal is to capture between $40.9 million and $102.25 million in market share in the coming years.

A Scalable, Impact-Driven Model

Operating on a B2B and B2G model, CLUIX generates revenue through device sales, reagent kits, AMCs, and cloud services. The C012 is priced at ₹68,500 plus tax, while reagent kits cost ₹17,000. Their model is designed for scalability, requiring minimal training and supporting centralised monitoring of decentralised deployments.

Beyond business, it also makes a measurable impact. By eliminating the need for sample transport, it cuts approximately 720 kg of CO₂ emissions per village annually. Its high-frequency testing has led to a 30% reduction in waterborne diseases in operational areas.

Looking Ahead

Cluix is preparing to launch "Varunaa", a water level monitoring system, and plans to expand internationally in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Long-term, it aspires to set the global standard for decentralised water monitoring, extending its tech into agriculture and wastewater.