With a deep-rooted passion for Indian handicrafts and a desire to uplift his community, Stalin co-founded Neem Toys in 2023 alongside his mother, Abida Begum. After leaving his position as an assistant professor, he explored various avenues, including aerospace modelling and robotics. The pandemic prompted a pivotal shift when he witnessed the struggles of rural women in his village near Amaravati, particularly those affected by land acquisition for urban development. Recognizing the urgent need for sustainable livelihoods, he and his mother focused on creating eco-friendly toys crafted from neem wood, renowned for its antibacterial properties.
This initiative aimed to provide safe play options for children aged 0-5 while also empowering local women with employment opportunities. The brand has gained recognition for its unique selling proposition—using only neem wood, which differentiates it from competitors who rely on imported materials. These toys are designed in their in-house manufacturing unit, aimed at enhancing the cognitive development of kids through play while maintaining a commitment to sustainability. Each product undergoes a natural seasoning process to ensure durability without harmful chemicals.
The brand has quickly expanded its reach and is now available online. Recently recognized by the National Innovation Foundation (NIF), Neem Toys is positioned for growth.
The startup has toys ranging from Rs 349 to Rs 6000 and claims to have sold over 10,000 toys as of date. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it comes amid fierce competition. Additionally, they have partnered with SRM University, which allocates 2% of its profits to corporate social responsibility initiatives. Moreover, the NIF Incubation and Entrepreneurship Council of Gujarat has extended exceptional support to the brand.
Stalin’s commitment extends beyond business as he collaborates with the Amaravati Walkers and Runners Association to engage local school children in neem tree plantation drives. For every neem tree cut down, they plant three new ones, fostering environmental awareness. Going forward the startup plans to introduce STEM toys and expand internationally.
Below is a brief snapshot of the Startup:
Founders: Abida Begam and Stalin Patan
Incubated/Started year: 2021 started with research and incorporated in 2023
Industry/Space: Toys
Number of team members: 15
Funding Received: NIF, SRM University
Looking for: Exploring global and offline markets
Claim to Fame: Recognized by the National Innovation Foundation (NIF)
Market of Operation: Pan India
Company’s Culture:
Aggressive Methodical Easy Going
PTIM (Person that inspires me): My Mother Abida Begam.
