The Washing Machine Project on fast cycle to global expansion with Innovate UK support
The Washing Machine Project is providing displaced and low-income communities in the Global South with an accessible, off-grid washing solution, empowering women to take control of their lives. With the support of Innovate UK, the organisation has transformed its operations, expanded its reach into global markets, and solidified its presence as a leader in sustainable technology.
Approximately 70% of the global population lacks access to electric washing machines due to cost and infrequent electricity and water supplies, which render conventional machines ineffective. Moreover, handwashing clothes is a task that significantly falls to women worldwide.
“The need for sustainable and accessible washing solutions is crucial, particularly for women and girls who are predominantly responsible for household chores globally,” says Navjot Sawhney, founder and CEO of The Washing Machine Project.
The Washing Machine Project (TWMP), a grassroots social enterprise based in London, has developed an innovative manual washing machine that operates off-grid. This portable, user-friendly design conserves time, electricity, water, and effort, addressing the challenges associated with handwashing.
The Divya Washing Machine is the world’s first flat-packable manual washing machine. It features a 30-minute wash cycle with only a few minutes of manual turning, saving up to 75% of users’ time and halving water consumption.
TWMP has patented the design and plans to develop several different models to enhance efficiency in usability and materials.
“We believe that technology can be a powerful tool for social change, and our goal is to continue innovating to address pressing global challenges,” Sawhney adds.
On a broader scale, as TWMP expands, it is helping to create various job opportunities in design, manufacturing, administration, and operations, thereby boosting the UK job market. Additionally, the organisation’s cutting-edge technology helps strengthen the UK’s reputation as a leader in innovation and sustainability, attracting global investments and enhancing the country’s competitiveness and GDP growth.
Innovate UK Business Growth support fuels scaling opportunities
TWMP started working with Innovate UK Business Growth in 2022 after meeting Arezoo Hasibi, Senior Innovation and Growth Specialist, at a London event.
Recognising the unique challenges faced by TWMP, Arezoo worked closely with the organisation to identify critical growth areas, emphasising international market entry and operational scaling.
This partnership facilitated TWMP’s exploration of diverse markets such as India, Kenya, Uganda, the Philippines and Iraq – areas with limited access to electricity, where TWMP’s products could make the most impact.
Innovate UK Business Growth recommended that, TWMP apply for a Global Business Innovation Programme (GBIP) focused on the Indian digital manufacturing market.
The successful participation led to pivotal introductions with potential Indian partners. This ultimately enabled them to secure an international partnership with the Whirlpool Foundation to deliver 10,000 manual washing machines to communities and households worldwide over the next five years.
Sawhney says these connections were instrumental in establishing a foothold in new markets, further supported by introductions to contacts in the Philippines through collaborations with the British Chamber of Commerce and the British Embassy in Manila.
“Sustained support from Innovate UK Business Growth, coupled with new partnerships, has accelerated our journey towards global expansion, enabling us to reach communities that urgently need our technology.”
Wider Innovate UK support through grants and expertise for sustained growth
Beyond market expansion, TWMP benefited from significant grant support, securing funding through the Fast Start Innovation Grant, which enabled it to further develop its product. This financial backing was complemented by ongoing innovation and growth support from experienced specialists at Innovate UK Business Growth, who provided guidance on grant applications, partnership development, and strategic market approaches.
Sawhney believes that Innovate UK Business Growth’s support has been a game-changer for The Washing Machine Project, stating, “In a short space of time, we have been introduced to a whole host of contacts in key markets of interest, which helped accelerate our impact. The collaboration with Innovate UK Business Growth has significantly fuelled our growth by unlocking key partnerships that enable us to expand and scale our impact globally.”
In a short space of time, we have been introduced to a whole host of contacts in key markets of interest, which helped accelerate our impact. The collaboration with Innovate UK Business Growth has significantly fuelled our growth by unlocking key partnerships that enable us to expand and scale our impact globally.
– Navjot Sawhney, Founder and CEO of The Washing Machine Project