Ganiga Unveils AI-Powered Waste Sorting Robots at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

Ganiga Advances Recycling with AI-Driven Waste Sorting Solutions

Despite widespread awareness of recycling’s environmental benefits, global plastic recycling rates remain below 10%. Italian startup Ganiga Innovation is addressing this challenge with AI-enabled robotic waste bins designed to enhance sorting accuracy and efficiency.

Innovative Product Suite Targets Waste Management Challenges

Ganiga has developed three key offerings to optimize waste handling: the Hoooly robotic waste bins that utilize generative AI to differentiate trash from recyclables; a smart lid upgrade compatible with existing bins delivering similar sorting capabilities; and a software platform that tracks corporate waste output and provides actionable reduction strategies.

Startup Origins and Market Focus

Founded in 2021 by Nicolas Zeoli, Ganiga emerged from a clear need observed in Italy’s waste management landscape. Zeoli emphasizes the urgency of improving recycling systems, citing that over 100 million tons of plastic are produced annually worldwide, with only 9% recycled.

“We all need to reclaim this problem,” said Zeoli. “This is a very real problem.”

Technology Integration and Data-Driven Insights

The Hoooly bins not only provide a physical solution to proper waste disposal but also generate valuable data to inform future waste reduction initiatives. This data-centric approach supports companies in meeting growing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements while reducing operational costs related to waste management.

Commercial Success and Clientele

Since commencing sales in 2024, Ganiga has deployed over 120 robotic bins across high-profile clients such as Google and airports in Bologna, Venice, and Madrid. The company reported $500,000 in revenue in 2024, increasing to $750,000 within the first nine months of 2025.

Funding and Expansion Plans

Ganiga secured $1.5 million in pre-seed funding from investors including NextSTEP and Next Energy Capital. The startup is preparing to raise a $3 million seed round to accelerate growth and expand its footprint, particularly targeting the U.S. market with potential headquarters relocation in 2026.

Product Roadmap and Innovation Pipeline

The company is set to launch Hooolyfood in November 2025, a software solution leveraging camera technology to quantify food waste precisely. Future plans include expanding software offerings informed by data collected from their existing hardware and platforms.

Industry Impact and Strategic Positioning

Ganiga stands out as a pioneer in deploying smart waste bins at scale within airports, marking a transition from prototype to market-ready product. This strategic focus on productization and data-driven waste management positions Ganiga as a notable player in the sustainable technology sector.

“Ganiga is the first startup in all the world to fill one airport with the smart bins,” Zeoli noted. “We are a product, and we are open to the market.”

FinOracleAI — Market View

Ganiga’s integration of AI and robotics into waste sorting addresses a critical bottleneck in the recycling ecosystem, offering scalable solutions with measurable environmental impact. Their data-driven approach aligns well with increasing corporate ESG mandates and sustainability commitments worldwide.

• Opportunities: Expansion into the U.S. market with strong growth potential; increasing corporate demand for ESG-compliant waste solutions; leveraging data analytics for continuous product improvement and new service offerings.
• Risks: Market competition from established waste management companies; reliance on technology adoption rates within conservative industries; capital requirements for scaling hardware production and software development.

Impact: Ganiga’s innovative AI-powered waste sorting solutions have the potential to significantly improve recycling rates and reduce waste-related costs, positioning the company as a key contributor to sustainable waste management practices globally.