EF Polymer, a deep-tech startup founded in Udaipur, has closed the second tranche of its Series B round, bringing total Series B proceeds to $17.8 million via a third-party allotment, the company announced on Wednesday. Founders Ankit Jain, Puran Singh Rajput, and Narayan Lal Gurjar said the fresh capital will accelerate R&D, expand manufacturing, and deepen the company’s presence in key international markets.
Product: bio-based super absorbent polymers built from agri waste
EF Polymer develops 100% bio-based, biodegradable super absorbent polymers (SAPs) made from agricultural residues.
The company positions its materials as a tool for drought resilience: improving soil water retention and reducing irrigation requirements, with an explicit focus on farmers in water-stressed regions. To date, EF Polymer says it has recorded cumulative global sales of 500 tons of product and upcycled more than 5,000 tons of farm residues into its inputs.
Where the money goes?
According to the announcement, funds from the second close will be used to:
- Speed up R&D on new formulations and applications.
- Expand manufacturing capacity to support growth.
- Strengthen operations in existing and priority markets, specifically Japan and the United States.
International pilots already in the ground
EF Polymer says demonstration projects are underway across drought-hit parts of France, Spain, Italy, and Portugal, with the aim of validating field performance in varied soil and climate conditions. The company also notes it operates across India, Japan, and the USA, and runs a major research facility in Japan.
Beyond agriculture: early moves into new verticals
While agriculture remains the core focus, EF Polymer plans to extend its bio-based absorption science into cosmetic thickeners, ice packs, and absorption sheets, broadening potential end-use markets for its polymers.
Founder statement
“This funding is more than a financial milestone, it’s a celebration of purpose-driven progress,” said Narayan Lal Gurjar, adding that the team remains focused on sustainable solutions that “uplift communities and restore ecosystems.”
The company says its technology has drawn praise from the Prime Minister of India and the Prime Minister of Japan, describing it as an example of cross-border innovation originating from India.
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