![\"\"](\"https:\/\/trak.in\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Screenshot-2026-10-19-at-10.58.00-AM-1024x579.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nUnveiled during the launch of the \u2018Nagar Udyam \u2013 From Street Vendor to Smart Entrepreneur\u2019 initiative on the institute\u2019s campus, the project aims to use technology to create better economic opportunities for small entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Solar Power and Mobility for Street Vendors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The new vending cart runs on solar energy and is designed to move between locations throughout the day. This allows vendors to reach different customer groups depending on demand, rather than remaining tied to a single location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Its three-wheeler design also means that vendors can take the cart home after business hours. This could reduce the need to leave equipment occupying public spaces overnight while giving vendors greater flexibility in managing their operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The mobile design is particularly relevant to small food businesses that depend on footfall near offices, markets, residential areas and other busy locations. By moving to where customers are, vendors could potentially improve their reach and sales opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Digital Payments and Better Waste Management<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The cart includes facilities for digital payments, allowing customers to pay electronically instead of relying exclusively on cash. Digital transactions can make payments more convenient and help vendors maintain clearer records of their business activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It also features a bright product display designed to present food items attractively to potential customers. Another important feature is a three-way waste segregation system, which enables different categories of waste to be separated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Together, these features aim to improve the vending experience for both sellers and customers while encouraging more organised and environmentally conscious business practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n SETU Platform to Support Testing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n IIT Kharagpur plans to integrate the vending cart with its SETU Cloud Kitchen Connect platform for testing. The platform is intended to provide vendors with digital identification, QR-based access, cashless payment facilities, training and improved business records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The integration could help connect traditional street vending with a broader digital ecosystem, giving small entrepreneurs access to tools that may otherwise be difficult to obtain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n IIT Kharagpur Director Suman Chakraborty conceived the project as part of the institute\u2019s efforts to translate technology into practical solutions for social and economic development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n