New Delhi – Japan-based Innovation Thru Energy (ITE), in collaboration with IceBattery successfully launched the IceBattery® Rail and Land Cold Chain Technology at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The launch was held on the occasion of Japan Foundation Day and marked a significant step toward strengthening India’s cold chain infrastructure through energy-efficient and climate-resilient logistics solutions.
The event brought together senior government leaders, policymakers, logistics and infrastructure experts, and international trade representatives to deliberate on innovations in sustainable cold chain systems and their role in enhancing agricultural supply chains, food security, and low-carbon transportation across India.
The programme commenced by greetings from ITE Japan and IceBattery India. Representatives from both countries stood together on stage, symbolizing the strong Indo-Japan partnership behind the initiative. Senior speakers Deepak Kalia,CEO, IceBattery Indiaand Tatsuo Hosoi,Director, ITE Japanwelcomed the audience and outlined the shared vision for deploying advanced cold chain technologies in India.
A dedicated IceBattery® introduction video was screened, presenting the technology’s capability to maintain stable temperature control for perishable and sensitive cargo during rail and land transportation without continuous power or diesel-based refrigeration.
Key addresses were delivered by Pankaj Garg,Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Innovation Thru Energy, and Tadamasa Ishida,Senior Advisor, Innovation Thru Energy. The speakers emphasized the importance of scalable, energy-efficient cold chain solutions aligned with India’s sustainability goals and logistics modernization roadmap.
Industry perspectives were shared by Sanjay Swarup of Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), who highlighted the relevance of IceBattery® solutions for strengthening
rail-based freight movement and reducing energy consumption in cold chain logistics.
A major highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Innovation Thru Energy and Kalyani Cast Tech. The agreement formalizes plans for Make in India container manufacturing, enabling domestic production of IceBattery®-enabled cold chain containers and supporting India’s manufacturing and localization initiatives.
The event was honored by the presence of senior leaders from government, industry, and international institutions, including:
● Chief Guest: Tadamasa Ishida, Senior Advisor, Innovation Thru Energy
● Shri Sanjay Swarup, CMD, CONCOR
● Katsuhiko Murayama San, Former Director, Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry, Japan & DMICDC India
● Takashi Suzuki San, Representative, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
● Shri Shailendra Singh, Former Director, Ministry of Railways, Government of India
● Shri Dr. Prabhat, Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture & Horticulture, Government of India
● Shri Sanjyay Sharma, Director, Solar Energy Corporation of India
Following the formal addresses, guests were guided through a technology showcase, highlighting IceBattery®-enabled containers and cold chain solutions. A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official inauguration of the showcase.
The IceBattery® system operates on advanced Thermal Energy Storage using ice-based Phase Change Material technology. This proprietary system enables Zero Diesel Cooling Operation and eliminates dependence on continuous diesel-powered refrigeration, significantly reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The technology ensures temperature stability even during transit delays or power interruptions, thereby strengthening supply chain reliability.
Designed to support Net-Zero and carbon-reduction objectives, IceBattery® solutions align with ESG goals and are compatible with renewable energy integration. The system is seamlessly deployable across multimodal platforms including 40 ft rail containers, 32 ft and 20 ft truck applications, and portable cold storage units, making it suitable for India’s integrated logistics ecosystem.
The ceremonial cake-cutting was led by Tadamasa Ishida, after which the programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Deepak Kalia, who spoke on the importance of innovation-driven infrastructure and public-private collaboration in supporting national development objectives.
With the successful launch of IceBattery® Rail and Land Cold Chain Technology, Innovation Thru Energy and its Indian partners reaffirmed their commitment to reducing post-harvest losses, improving food security, and building efficient, low-emission logistics systems. The initiative is expected to play a key role in advancing climate-resilient supply chains across India while reinforcing the Indo-Japan partnership in sustainable infrastructure development.
