Role Of Startups And Student Innovations In Pharmaceutical Waste Management: A Global Review Of Sustainable Practices

Nitin Deshmukh¹, Ruchita Raghuvanshi², Nilesh Mandloi¹, Sunita Minz³, Prakhar Soni¹, Mohini Patidar^1*

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ABSTRACT

Background: Pharmaceutical waste presents a considerable risk to both environmental and human health due to inadequate disposal methods, resulting in problems like water pollution and the rise of antimicrobial resistance.

Methodology: This review explores the significant contributions of startups and student-led initiatives in promoting sustainable management of pharmaceutical waste worldwide over the last decade (2015–2025). Various technological innovations, such as AI and IoT-enabled smart bins, blockchain systems for traceability, enzyme-driven biodegradation, and 3D-printed neutralization devices, are examined for their efficacy and practicality.

Results and Discussion: The review underscores academic efforts like green pharmacy research, awareness initiatives on campuses, and innovation competitions such as the Smart India Hackathon. Despite these advancements, obstacles such as inconsistent regulations, financial challenges in under-resourced areas, and a lack of public involvement persist.

Conclusion: This review calls for a unified global policy approach, the incorporation of environmental education into pharmacy programs, and enhanced collaboration among public, private, and academic sectors to expand sustainable strategies in the management of pharmaceutical waste.

Keywords: Pharmaceutical waste management; Startups, Student innovation; Green pharmacy, AI in waste disposal, Sustainable healthcare.

How to cite this article: Deshmukh N, Raghuvanshi R, Mandloi N, Minz S, Soni P, Patidar M. Role Of Startups And Student Innovations In Pharmaceutical Waste Management: A Global Review Of Sustainable Practices. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(15s): 1021-1033. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.15s.113

Source of support: Nil.

Conflict of interest: None