In this article published in The Indian Express on 10 June 2026, journalist Dipanita Nath profiles Banofi, a Venture Center-incubated startup founded by Jinali Mody. Using agricultural waste from India’s banana harvest, Banofi is developing a plant-based leather alternative that aims to offer the look, texture and flexibility of conventional leather with a lower environmental footprint.
The article traces Mody’s journey from her interest in climate change to building a venture around sustainable materials. It explores Banofi’s potential applications in bags, wallets, footwear and apparel, alongside growing interest from the automotive and luxury sectors. The story highlights how Banofi is turning an underused agricultural resource into a material with commercial potential, demonstrating how deep-tech innovation can address environmental challenges while opening up new markets.