MANDI: In the serene landscapes of Himachal Pradesh where pine forests stretch endlessly, a young innovator from Mandi is making waves with her sustainable vision.
Kritika Sharma, the brain behind PineTastic, has emerged as a shining example of how local talent can address global challenges while preserving regional identity.
The daughter of renowned writer and journalist Murari Sharma, Kritika has always drawn inspiration from her surroundings. With a strong academic background — holding a BSc from Vallabh College in Mandi, followed by an MSc and MPhil from HPU — she is now pursuing her PhD in Chemistry.
Beyond academics, Kritika’s passion for environmental conservation and sustainability has led her to launch PineTastic, a startup that transforms the Himalayan region’s abundant pine resources into eco-friendly products.
Her entrepreneurial journey gained momentum at the 8th Himalayan Startup Trek-2024, hosted by IIT-Mandi Catalyst. Competing in the highly coveted “Build for the Himalayas” category, Kritika’s PineTastic secured the second place, earning recognition for its innovative approach to resource utilization and ecological sustainability.
Achievements beyond innovation
Kritika’s achievements are not confined to her startup. In 2023, she was the second runner-up in the Enviro-Ideation Hackathon, an event organised by the HP Pollution Control Board, where she was awarded a Rs 51,000 cash prize by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
A holistic achiever, Kritika is also a sports enthusiast. Her participation in chess tournaments and half-marathons reflects her disciplined approach to life. Recently, she won a half-marathon organised by the Forest Department, showcasing her commitment to health and resilience.
Himalayan Startup Trek: Fostering local talent
The 8th Himalayan Startup Trek (HST) served as the perfect platform to highlight talents like Kritika. Organised by IIT-Mandi Catalyst, India’s first technology business incubator dedicated to the Himalayan region, the event celebrated innovation aimed at addressing the unique challenges of mountainous terrains.
This year’s event saw the participation of over 200 startups, 50 mentors and 30 investors, creating a vibrant ecosystem for collaboration. Among the standout categories was “Build for the Himalayas,” where Gaurav Sabharwal claimed first place for Shoolini Shefran, and Vijay Vaishampayan of Cametico Technologies secured third place.
Chief Minister’s IT adviser Gokul Butail chief guest
The event was graced by Gokul Butail, Principal Adviser (IT and Innovation) to the Chief Minister, who commended IIT-Mandi Catalyst for nurturing startups that align with Himachal Pradesh’s developmental goals. A total of Rs 11 lakh in grants was distributed across various categories, providing critical support to budding entrepreneurs.
As the organizing force behind HST, IIT-Mandi Catalyst plays a crucial role in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape of the Himalayas. Its mission is to provide mentorship, funding, and investor access to startups focused on sustainable development, environmental preservation, and local economic growth.
