Assam is globally renowned for its tea, but in recent years, an innovative start-up has pushed the boundaries of tradition. Woolah Tea, founded in Sivasagar, Assam, has developed the world’s first bagless whole-leaf tea dip, eliminating the use of conventional paper or plastic teabags. It is a compressed bundle of “Et i koli dut i paat” (one bud and two leaves), carefully tied with a string. The word “Woolah” in Assamese means happiness, and the founders believe that the perfect cup of tea – whether green, white, or black – brings true joy.
The Minds Behind Woolah
Founders Upamanyu Borkakoty and Ansuman Bharali, two young visionaries from Assam, established ‘Woolah Tea’, the brand of TTLT India Private Limited, which was incorporated in 2019 under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA). Headquartered in Sivasagar, Assam, the company was envisioned as a tea brand that could represent Assam on the global stage while tackling environmental concerns associated with traditional teabags.
The Innovation: Bagless Tea Dips
Unlike traditional tea bags that use filter paper or nylon mesh, Woolah compresses whole Assam tea leaves into compact dip-sized portions, called TrueDips. When placed in hot water, the compressed leaves unfurl naturally, giving the convenience of a tea bag without plastic or microplastic pollution.
From the strong taste of black tea to the fresh flavor of green and the smooth touch of white, Woolah’s collection flows into soothing herbal infusions – Tulsi, Mint, Chamomile, Lemon, and more – each cup crafted like a story steeped in nature.
Government Recognition & Registrations
Woolah Tea is officially registered and certified, with approvals from the MCA, FSSAI, and the Tea Board of India, and also holds ISO food safety certifications along with recognition under MSME and Startup India.
Patent Achievement
In 2025, Woolah Tea secured an Indian patent titled “Compressed True Whole Leaf Tea Dips and Method Thereof”. This patent, valid for 20 years, safeguards its unique bagless dip technology. The invention is also part of an international PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) family, affirming its global claim.
This recognition positioned Woolah Tea as a pioneer in eco-friendly innovation within India’s tea industry. The news was celebrated by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) of Assam and widely reported in startup media.
Growth, Investments, and Shark Tank Success
In 2022, Woolah Tea raised about ₹2 crore from the Gangwal Group, and in 2025 it appeared on Shark Tank India Season 4, where it secured a deal with Aman Gupta (boAt) for ₹50 lakh in exchange for 2.5% equity and 2.5% advisory equity, valuing the company at around
₹20 crore; this exposure brought the brand into the national spotlight and strengthened its market presence in India and abroad.
Social and Environmental Impact
Woolah emphasizes sustainable farming and fair-trade practices:
- Works with small organic farms and women-led cooperatives in
- Promotes eco-friendly consumption by eliminating plastic-based
- Represents a model of “green entrepreneurship” from India’s
Conclusion
Woolah Tea is not just a beverage brand – it is a symbol of Assam’s heritage meeting innovation. With government certifications, a granted patent, and international recognition, it stands as a case study of sustainable entrepreneurship in India’s tea sector. By combining tradition, technology, and eco-consciousness, Woolah Tea demonstrates how local innovation can achieve global relevance.
Read: Rongatapu 1982
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