Developed by Executive Vice President of Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing, Gopalan Sunderraman, ChotuKool is a frugal refrigerator for below-the-pyramid consumers. It costs about Rs. 3500 and consumes electricity worth Rs. 60 to 70 per month.

The refrigeration unit has been designed such that it relies on a solid-state chip, instead of a conventional compressor. This has made the unit virtually service-free and light, weighing just 7.3 kilograms. Patented technology enables ChotuKool to work without electricity for up to three hours – and as a carry-along cooler, it can run on inverters and external batteries.

In a year’s time, Godrej will back their visionary product with a disruptive distribution strategy. Instead of shipping companies, the brand will partner with the Indian Postal department to reach even the most remote areas of the country.

The collaboration will begin with Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Rajkot; and within about a month’s time, Vadodara will register record sales of 644 pieces. To keep costs low, Godrej will not charge villagers for transportation and delivery.

In the succeeding years, the product’s physical features will consistently improve and by 2016 the exterior will be fashioned such that its skin will be customisable to suit particular preferences.