Ganiga to Showcase Waste-Sorting Robots at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

Addressing the Global Plastic Recycling Challenge with AI

Despite the widely recognized environmental advantages of recycling initiatives, current statistics indicate that less than 10% of global plastic waste undergoes the recycling process. Ganiga Innovation is actively working to improve this figure through the implementation of AI-powered robotic waste receptacles.

Ganiga’s Innovative Waste Management Solutions

The Italian startup, Ganiga, has developed a suite of three products designed to enhance waste management and recycling efficiency. Their primary offering is Hoooly, a series of robotic waste bins utilizing generative AI to differentiate between refuse and recyclable materials, subsequently sorting the waste appropriately.

Furthermore, the company provides a smart lid capable of retrofitting existing waste containers, replicating the functionality of the full-sized Hoooly bins. This offers a cost-effective upgrade path for existing infrastructure.

Data-Driven Waste Reduction

Ganiga also offers a software solution enabling businesses to monitor their waste generation. This platform provides actionable insights and recommendations for reducing waste production, based on comprehensive waste data analysis.

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Showcase

Ganiga will demonstrate its technologies at this year’s Startup Battlefield competition during TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. The event is scheduled to run from October 27th to 29th at Moscone West in San Francisco.

The Founder’s Vision

Nicolas Zeoli, Ganiga’s founder and CEO, has expressed a long-held ambition to establish a groundbreaking company, comparable to industry leaders like Facebook or Apple.

He chose to concentrate on waste management due to the palpable nature of the problem, particularly within his native Italy, and a perceived lack of effective solutions.

The Scale of the Problem

“We must collectively address this issue,” Zeoli stated. “My research involved reviewing over 100 articles on the subject. Consider this: globally, more than 100 million tons of plastic are produced annually, yet only 9% is actually recycled. This represents a significant and pressing concern.”

From Prototype to Product

Zeoli launched Ganiga in 2021 and completed the initial prototype in 2022. The decision to develop a physical bin was strategic, providing a dedicated point for waste disposal, ensuring proper sorting, and generating valuable data for future improvements.

Effective waste management also represents a substantial cost for many organizations. Zeoli highlighted that numerous companies, especially those in Europe, are subject to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) mandates.

He believes Hoooly can assist companies in tracking their waste output, leading to reductions in waste volume and associated expenses.

Early Adoption and Revenue Growth

Ganiga began selling its bins in 2024 and has since deployed over 120 robots to clients including Google, and several airports located in Bologna, Venice, and Madrid.

The company generated €100,000 in revenue during 2024 and has already achieved €700,000 in revenue within the first nine months of 2025.

Funding and Future Plans

To date, Ganiga has secured €1.5 million in pre-seed funding from investors such as NextEnergy Capital, alongside contributions from angel investors. The company is currently seeking $3 million in seed funding.

A new product, Hooolyfood, is slated for release in November. This software utilizes camera imagery to accurately quantify food waste. Ganiga intends to expand its software offerings, leveraging data collected from its bins and existing software solutions.

Expansion into the U.S. Market

While currently focused on the European market, Ganiga is planning expansion into the United States, potentially relocating its headquarters there in 2026.

“Ganiga is the world’s first startup to equip an entire airport with smart bins,” Zeoli emphasized. “This demonstrates our commitment to delivering a fully realized product, readily available to the market, rather than simply a prototype.”

For an opportunity to learn directly from Ganiga and explore numerous other pitches and workshops, and to foster valuable business connections, visit the TechCrunch Disrupt website for details about the event taking place October 27 to 29 in San Francisco.

This article has been updated to accurately reflect Ganiga’s funding and revenue performance.