India is a believer in the ancient wisdom of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and embraces the concept of a unified global family, and its actions towards promoting peace and environmental stewardship have a global resonance. As the world marks Earth Day 2024, the spotlight is on the pivotal role startups play in driving environmental innovation beyond established companies and government agencies. These agile companies are at the forefront of efforts to leverage geospatial data to drive true sustainability efforts and promise a greener, more resilient tomorrow. So here we have ours.
Aereo: Creating a sustainable future
Aereo, formerly known as Aarav Unmanned Systems, is revolutionizing conservation through geospatial data. Aereo leverages high-resolution data and deep insights to help industries proactively understand and protect their surroundings. From watershed development to flood simulation, the company’s innovative solutions not only reduce carbon emissions, but also strengthen organizations’ resilience to climate change.
“By leveraging high-resolution data and deep insights, we can better understand our environment and proactively take preventive measures,” said Vipul Singh, co-founder and CEO of Aereo. “Our mission is not just to serve; it’s to make a lasting impact on future generations. Together, let’s strive for a greener, more sustainable world.”
Capital A: Investing in green innovation
Founded by Ankit Kedia, Capital A is driving a true green tech revolution. Capital A invests in companies committed to environmental conservation and social impact through initiatives such as Evolve, a dedicated fund for electric mobility startups. By reevaluating their ESG framework, startups can drive meaningful change and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future.
Chargeup: Powering sustainable mobility
Chargeup is India’s first FineTech platform in the electric vehicle (EV) space and is leading the way in sustainable mobility. Chargeup makes EV ownership more accessible with attractive financing and Battery-as-a-Service solutions, while addressing range anxiety with a dense network of battery swap stations. CEO and co-founder Varun Goenka emphasizes the company’s commitment to environmental conservation and ethical governance.
Motovolt Mobility: Redefining urban transportation
Motovolt Mobility is transforming India’s automotive sector with connected e-bikes tailored for urban markets. Motovolt is fighting air pollution and reducing carbon emissions by promoting electric two-wheelers as a clean mobility solution. Founder and CEO Tushar Choudhary highlights the environmental benefits of EV two-wheelers and their role in creating a sustainable urban transport system.
Deshpande Startups: Fostering environmental innovation
Deshpande Startups, India’s largest technology business incubator, nurtures startups for a sustainable future. By supporting ventures such as Carbon Craft, FluxGen, and envoProtect, Deshpande Startups is driving environmental innovation and fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem. Through initiatives like the Integrated Zero Waste Food Cluster, they are working towards a net-zero future and empowering young entrepreneurs to protect the environment.
Evera: revolutionizing road transportation
Evera, an innovative app-based taxi service, promotes sustainable mobility by offering all-electric taxi rides. By eliminating emissions from traditional vehicles, Evera is reducing its carbon footprint and building healthier communities. CEO and co-founder Nimish Trivedi emphasizes the role of electric vehicles in the fight against climate change and emphasizes the importance of government support and growth of EV infrastructure.
Carbon Clean Solutions: Carbon Capture Innovators
Founded in 2009, Carbon Clean Solutions (CCS) is a Mumbai-based startup focused on advancing carbon capture and utilization technologies. CCS focuses on solvent-based innovations that capture carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes and convert them into valuable goods such as fertilizers and chemicals. Its technology has been effectively implemented in various sectors such as cement, steel, and oil and gas, contributing to the reduction of over 1 million tons of carbon emissions.
BluSmart: A green commuting revolution
Headquartered in Delhi, BluSmart provides eco-friendly and cost-effective ride-sharing services. BluSmart operates electric vehicles, significantly reducing carbon emissions and air pollution. Equipped with state-of-the-art safety features such as GPS tracking and facial recognition, BluSmart ensures safe and convenient transportation.
Waste Ventures: Tackling waste head on
Addressing India’s waste management crisis Waste Ventures India is a social enterprise that works with local communities to establish waste management systems. Waste Ventures India provides employment opportunities for waste pickers and provides waste separation and recycling services to reduce landfill usage.
Smarter Dharma: Sustainability of everyday items
Bangalore-based Smarter Dharma is a pioneer in sustainable and eco-friendly products made using natural and biodegradable materials such as bamboo, cotton and jute. The company’s product range spans stationery, packaging and home decor, and has a lower environmental impact compared to traditional alternatives.
Project potential: Empowering farmers and nourishing communities
Chennai-based Project Potential promotes sustainable agriculture and food systems by providing training and support to farmers. Through initiatives such as organic farming, agroforestry and conservation agriculture, Project Potential facilitates access to markets for sustainably produced goods and fosters mutually beneficial food ecosystems.
Greenway Appliances: Green Solutions for Kitchen Living
Greenway Appliances strives to build a sustainable future through the production of affordable and environmentally friendly kitchen appliances. Our cook stoves use 65% less fuel than traditional models, reduce indoor air pollution, and improve home health. Additionally, Greenway offers solar-powered appliances for areas without electricity.
Terracycle: Revolutionizing recycling
Terracycle promotes waste recycling and upcycling and strives to create a circular economy where waste is reused. With recycling programs tailored to difficult materials like cigarette butts and snack wrappers, Terracycle works with leading brands to enhance sustainability in packaging and product design.
Electrification of urban transportation
Ather Energy is a pioneer in sustainable mobility with its electric scooters, especially the high-performance Ather 450X. Boasting competitive speed and acceleration, the Ather 450X delivers 85 km of range on a single charge and can fast-charge to 80% in just 50 minutes. Ather has also established a network of charging stations to support electric scooter users.
Phool.co: Sustainability in bloom
Phool.co strives to promote sustainability by making incense sticks and other products using discarded flowers from temples. By reusing temple waste, Phool.co not only reduces waste generation but also provides livelihood opportunities to rural women through its innovative product line.
Urgency and innovation: India’s response to the climate crisis
Climate change is a major challenge for India, threatening its diverse ecosystems and livelihoods itself. As temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. However, there is a silver lining amidst this crisis as governments, start-ups and NGOs work together to combat the negative effects of climate change. Through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and Swachh Bharat Mission, India is moving towards a sustainable future. Recent initiatives taken at COP26 highlight India’s dedication to environmental stewardship, setting an ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. The burgeoning climate technology sector further embodies India’s commitment to tackling the climate crisis, attracting investors and innovating for meaningful impact. As the country charts a trajectory toward a greener future, the joint efforts of all stakeholders are critical to mitigating the severe impacts of climate change on future generations.As we celebrate World Earth Day, let’s celebrate these visionary startups that are not only disrupting their industries, but also driving sustainability and innovation. Together, let’s build a greener, more sustainable world for everyone.
