Mathew Jose, is a social entrepreneur from Chennai, India. Over the last 7 years, he has established himself in the field of recycling in India through the social enterprise he runs called Paperman. He has pioneered the creation of innovative models of recycling that motivates people to recycle. He has created a platform called ‘trash funding’ that helps people to convert their trash into an investment for social change. His expertise also lies in the key understanding he has about India’s 1.5 million strong informal sector recyclers. He is passionate about improving their livelihoods through his innovations. Mathews innovative methods to improve recycling has got him recognition from media world over like BBC, people magazine and more.
Mathew’s current mission is to establish an ecosystem that will fuel a formal Trash Economy in India and aid the global circular economy movement. He believes that with the presence of the active informal sector of recycling and the latest advancements in ICT, India can be a pioneer in the world circular economy movement.
Recognition & Awards
- 2016 – Listed in 30 Under 30 list of Forbes Magazine (30 people who are bright young entrepreneurs, innovators and game-changers under age of 30 from India and Asia)
- 2015 – Ashoka Fellowship
- Member – Next Leaders’ initiative for Sustainability (NELIS), Japan