In the heart of Tamil Nadu’s bustling urban landscape, a quiet revolution is taking place, led by Thooya Innovations. Founded by the visionary quartet of Venkatesh Rajendran, Poornima Venkatesh, Rajarathinam Ilangovan, and Tamilmanian Nagalingam, this Madurai-based startup is reimagining public sanitation. By shifting the narrative from sanitation as a “government burden” to a “sustainable social enterprise,” they are proving that clean, high-quality, and free-to-use restrooms are an achievable reality for the common citizen.
The lack of hygienic public facilities has long been a crisis in Indian cities, disproportionately affecting women, the elderly, and daily wage workers. Thooya Innovations addresses this gap by blending social responsibility with smart engineering. Their mission is not just about building structures; it is about restoring human dignity in public spaces. Through their commitment, they are transforming the urban experience across Chennai and beyond, one stall at a time.
The Loocafe Concept: A Synergy of Service and Sustainability
Central to Thooya’s success is the Loocafe concept, an innovative model born in Hyderabad that the startup has exclusively brought to the Tamil Nadu region. Unlike traditional public toilets that often fall into neglect due to lack of funding, the Loocafe model integrates a modern restroom facility with a commercial kiosk space. This “restroom-plus-cafe” approach creates a self-sustaining financial ecosystem where the revenue from the kiosk funds the maintenance of the toilets.
This dual-purpose design ensures that the facilities remain impeccably clean and well-staffed 24/7. By partnering with Loocafe, Thooya Innovations has created a space that feels welcoming rather than utilitarian. The presence of a functional kiosk ensures constant footfall and oversight, which naturally enhances the safety and hygiene of the premises. It is a brilliant example of how commercial interests can be aligned with the greater public good to ensure long-term viability.
A Public-Private Partnership for Social Impact
The operational backbone of this Madurai startup’s initiative is a robust Private-Public Partnership (PPP) model. Thooya Innovations works closely with local municipal corporations to secure approximately 300 square feet of land in high-traffic urban areas. While the city provides the space, Thooya takes on the responsibility of construction, maintenance, and operation. This synergy allows the government to provide essential services to citizens without the typical administrative and maintenance bottlenecks.
This model is a game-changer for urban planning. It relieves the municipal authorities of the financial and logistical burden of upkeep while ensuring that the infrastructure remains top-tier. By utilizing this PPP framework, Thooya Innovations is able to scale rapidly and professionally. The success of this model proves that when the government and social entrepreneurs collaborate, they can solve age-old infrastructure problems through modern, agile, and transparent solutions.
Expanding the Footprint of Cleanliness in Chennai
The impact of Thooya’s startup work is already being felt across Chennai’s most crowded corridors. Their journey began three years ago with a successful pilot at OMR, which served as a proof of concept for the city. Recently, they celebrated the launch of their second outlet in the bustling heart of the city at T. Nagar, located directly opposite the popular Jeeva Park. This new facility serves hundreds of shoppers and commuters daily, providing them with a safe and sanitary environment.
The momentum continues to build, with a third outlet already underway on the iconic Mount Road. These strategic locations are chosen specifically because they are high-density areas where the need for sanitation is most acute. With a clear vision to expand into more cities across Tamil Nadu, the founders are committed to scaling this startup model until clean, free, and sustainable sanitation becomes the standard. Their dedication is turning a basic necessity into a symbol of urban progress and social equity.
The Logical Take
The Logical Indian believes that access to clean and safe sanitation is a fundamental human right. By integrating a commercial kiosk with public utilities, Thooya Innovations has created a brilliant, self-sustaining blueprint. This social enterprise proves that innovation can solve the most persistent civic challenges.
We applaud this Madurai startup’s initiative for prioritizing the safety and dignity of every citizen in Tamil Nadu. It is time we view sanitation not as an afterthought, but as a pillar of a developed society. We hope this model inspires similar sustainable partnerships across the country.
