Hyacinthesis Accelerator Cohort 1 ready to go to market with retail products on Nov 13 2026 at a private-event followed by a public debut at Good Market on Nov 14 2026.
Applications for Cohort 2 open in November 2026.
Cohort 1 of the Hyacinthesis Accelerator has successfully concluded, marking a key step towards developing commercially viable water hyacinth products; strengthening Sri Lanka’s circular economy and export growth potential. The programme is supported by Scott Dunn, The Conservation Collective, and the Lanka Environment Fund (LEF), implemented by The Foundation For A Good Life (Guarantee) Limited (TFGL) in partnership with Good Life X (GLX).
The five [05] local enterprises that make up Cohort 1: Ima Water Hyacinth (Hambantota), Sustain U (Bandaragama), JJ Products (Ehetuwewa), Kumari Athkam (Galgamuwa) and Pradeepa Eco Products (Bingiriya) will introduce newly developed products at two [02] events. First, at an invite-only retail showcase on 13 November 2026, followed by a public debut at Good Market on 14 November. This will be followed by additional pop-ups ahead of the holiday season.
Speaking with the Project Lead for the Hyacinthesis Accelerator Programme - Cohort 1, Lonali Rodrigo, stated: “Circularity is not simply about finding a use for a material that would otherwise go to waste. It is about building the conditions for that material to create lasting value. With Hyacinthesis, we are working to connect these elements so that environmental responsibility becomes part of how value is created, not an afterthought.”
Each enterprise in Cohort 1 underwent an initial diagnostic, followed by a tailored business transformation plan addressing its specific development needs. Six [06} workshops covered business fundamentals, sustainability and environmental practices, product design, finance, branding and marketing. Participants also worked with designers, technical experts and buyers across retail and ecotourism, including gaining exposure into potential routes to market + strengthening their network.
Concluding, Business and Technical Expert for the Hyacinthesis Accelerator Programme - Prabuddha Battuwatte noted: “By connecting material innovation with enterprise capabilities and market demand, the Hyacinthesis Accelerator is building the foundations for an economically and environmentally sustainable value chain in Sri Lanka. One that links responsible resource use with commercial opportunity and sustainable livelihoods.”
Further programme information and application updates will be available through Good Life X’s social media channels and website. As Cohort 1 moves towards market, call outs for applications for cohort 2 will begin in November 2026. Enterprises interested in or are currently working with water hyacinth to develop products or solutions across biochar, biofertilisers, paper and packaging, plastic alternatives or other innovative materials are welcome to apply.
Image Caption : The water hyacinth plant in the background of an invested water body from this invasive aquatic plant species.
