In a world striving for sustainability, a new wave of startups is emerging to tackle diverse environmental challenges. From waste management to renewable energy, these entrepreneurs are pioneering solutions that promise a cleaner, greener future. Let’s take a closer look at how these innovative startups are making their mark in the sustainability sector, addressing various aspects of environmental conservation and driving positive change.
Arjun Vijayaragavan, Founder of KarbonWise
Arjun Vijayaragavan is the driving force behind KarbonWise, a company founded in 2023 that serves as a co-pilot for enterprises embarking on their net-zero journey. Leveraging his background from founding Susnomics, a consultancy in low-carbon building design, and his expertise gained at McKinsey & Co. in net-zero pathways and climate risk evaluation, Arjun leads KarbonWise in integrating climate science, technology, and industry expertise to provide end-to-end decarbonization solutions. KarbonWise’s platform and services encompass measurement, strategy development, carbon reduction planning, and simplified reporting compliant with global ESG standards. KarbonWise specializes in sectors such as construction, pharmaceuticals, and financial services, offering targeted solutions to address specific industry challenges. Built in India but for the Globe, KarbonWise underscores its global perspective and dedication to driving positive change on a worldwide scale.
Sachin Garg, Founder of Scrapbuddy
In 2022, Sachin Garg embarked on a mission to transform waste management practices with the founding of Scrapbuddy. His goal is to change the traditional ‘one-pot-for-all-waste’ approach by promoting waste segregation and recycling. Scrapbuddy is revolutionizing the waste management landscape by bridging the gap between informal kabariwala networks and formalized structures. By leveraging technology and incorporating these existing networks into their operations, Scrapbuddy is not only enhancing efficiency but also empowering local waste pickers. With a focus on expanding the scope of waste collection beyond traditional items like plastic and newspapers, Scrapbuddy is making significant strides in promoting comprehensive recycling practices. Scrapbuddy has formalized the waste management sector by integrating 250 informal waste pickers from 80 segregation centers in Delhi-NCR. With partnerships in societies and individual homes, they collect 5,000 kg of diverse waste daily.
Anand Jain, Founder of Aerem
Anand Jain is the visionary founder behind Aerem, a solar financing platform established in 2021 to address the energy challenges faced by Indian Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Recognizing the gap in access to formal power sources for MSMEs, Anand founded Aerem to provide hassle-free solar financing at competitive rates. His mission is to empower MSMEs with access to clean energy solutions, driving India’s sustainable energy transition forward. Anand’s innovative approach to solar financing is not only empowering businesses but also contributing to India’s broader efforts to achieve energy security and environmental sustainability.
Apoorv Garg and Yugal Raj Jain, Founders of altM
In 2022, Apoorv Garg and Yugal Raj Jain, both ex-Tesla employees, joined forces to found altM with a bold vision: to revolutionize materials science and promote sustainability. Their company develops advanced materials from agricultural residues, offering eco-friendly alternatives to conventional products. With altM, Apoorv and Yugal aim to redefine the materials landscape, promoting environmental stewardship and resource efficiency across industries. Apoorv and Yugal’s groundbreaking work in sustainable materials is not only driving innovation but also paving the way for a more circular and regenerative economy.
Anand Thakur, Founder of Electriq
Anand Thakur founded Electriq in 2021 with a mission to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) through innovative tracking and connectivity solutions. His platform enables efficient fleet management and promotes the uptake of EVs in both commercial and individual segments. With Electriq, Anand is driving the transition to electric mobility, paving the way for a cleaner, greener transportation ecosystem. Anand’s pioneering efforts in the EV space are not only revolutionizing transportation but also contributing to global efforts to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
