Guwahati: Millions of Indians use teabags on trains and flights and in hotels and homes and thought the tea is mostly from Assam, the brands are not.
That could change soon and also turn more eco-friendly.
Assam-based Woolah Tea has secured a patent for bag-less tea brewing and eliminated microplastics.
From the misty tea gardens of Assam to the buzzing aisles of New York's Summer Fancy Food Festival, Woolah Tea has brewed more than just a beverage it has crafted a movement.
On June 25, the Shark Tank India sensation secured a patent for its pioneering bagless tea dip technology, a crucial step in its mission to eliminate microplastics from daily tea consumption.
The news follows a series of milestones for the startup, co-founded by Upamanyu Borkakoty, who recently showcased Woolah at the prestigious Summer Fancy Food Festival 2025 in New York.
Speaking exclusively to Business North East (BNE), the Assam Gaurav awardee said, “What started as a small effort to support organic tea farmers in Assam has now become a national movement for clean, conscious tea. The love we’ve received from Shark Tank to our very own backyard is overwhelming.
But more than anything, this is proof that even from a small town in Assam, you can build something world-class, as long as you stay true to your roots.” Shark Tank to Social Media Buzz Woolah’s Shark Tank pitch wasn’t just a business showcase it turned into a celebration.
As the episode aired, neighbors of the founders arrived with laddoos, and social media, particularly Instagram, exploded with support from all corners of Assam. The wave of enthusiasm even caused a temporary pause in Woolah’s replies on Meta platforms due to overwhelming traffic. The Chief Minister of Assam joined the chorus, tweeting his appreciation for the homegrown innovation. Surge in Demand and Production Following the national exposure, Woolah reported a 5X spike in website traffic and a 2.5X increase in orders a clear indication of the rising consumer appetite for sustainable and plastic-free alternatives.
To meet growing demand, the company has set up a 6,000 sq. ft. Tea Crafting Studio, ensuring complete quality control from leaf to cup. Woolah has also leased organic tea gardens in Assam to scale production while maintaining its ethical sourcing model.
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A Patent That Changes the Game The newly awarded patent covers Woolah’s bagless tea dip technology, a game-changing innovation addressing a global environmental concern: microplastics in traditional teabags. This makes Woolah one of the few startups in the beverage space to combine sustainability with patented tech, a rare feat for a rural Indian enterprise. Recognition and Inspiration In recognition of his contribution to rural employment and sustainable entrepreneurship, Upamanyu Borkakoty was conferred the Assam Gaurav, one of the state’s highest civilian honors.
The Chief Minister’s Office hailed the patent as a beacon of innovation from the North East and a message to aspiring entrepreneurs across India. As Woolah continues to expand its footprint from the shelves of Indian households to international platforms the startup remains rooted in its original mission: to revolutionize tea, sustainably and proudly from Assam.
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