Sustainability is the driving force behind a new wave of innovation in India. These five startups are tackling some of the country's most pressing environmental challenges with groundbreaking solutions. Their efforts not only address climate change but also inspire others to contribute to a greener future.

Vidyuta: Powering the future with advanced battery materials

Vidyuta is a pioneer in sustainable energy storage solutions. Founded in 2023, this startup is developing next-generation cathode active materials (CAM) for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, mobile devices, and energy storage systems. Vidyuta's focus goes beyond just innovation; they are committed to creating a closed-loop battery ecosystem to minimise environmental impact.

With a vision that extends beyond India, Vidyuta aspires to revolutionise the global energy storage industry by addressing the growing issue of battery waste – a crucial aspect of ensuring a sustainable electric vehicle future. Led by the visionary Ankit Sharma, Co-Founder & Director, Vidyuta is a key player in promoting a cleaner tomorrow.

CEF Group: Transforming waste into green solutions

CEF Group is a leading clean energy provider that champions practical and sustainable solutions for waste management and environmental protection. Their recent collaboration with the JK Lake and Waterways Authority and NAFED showcases their commitment to action.

CEF spearheaded the launch of a waste processing plant specifically designed to clean Srinagar's iconic Dal Lake, demonstrating their technical and financial expertise. With a proven track record in establishing large-scale power and steel plants, CEF leverages its extensive experience to introduce and implement innovative clean technologies across India.

Founded by Maninder Singh, CEF Group is renowned for its work in renewable energy, organic manure production, Ayurveda, and capacity building. Their mission is to harness natural resources to develop sustainable solutions, paving the way for a greener planet.

Statiq: Building the infrastructure for a future of electric mobility

Statiq is India's leading electric vehicle (EV) charging network provider, rapidly expanding its reach across the country. Through partnerships with government bodies, automakers, and major hospitality players, Statiq is making EV ownership a more practical option by offering convenient access to over 7,000 charging points across 65+ cities. They aim to further bolster this infrastructure by installing a staggering 20,000 charging points by 2025 to meet the anticipated surge in EV demand.

Operating under Gurgaon-based Sharify Services, Statiq caters to electric cars, buses, trucks, and even three-wheelers. Their user-friendly app allows users to locate, prebook, and remotely control charging stations, simplifying the EV charging experience. Committed to promoting sustainable mobility, Statiq recently installed over 20 new EV chargers across 14 cities in various states.

Co-founders Akshit Bansal and Raghav Arora are leading the charge in creating a seamless and convenient charging infrastructure, fostering the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in India. Statiq's 24/7 accessible public chargers, available in both AC and DC options, are making inter-city EV travel hassle-free, accelerating the nation's transition to sustainable transportation.

Aereo: Taking sustainability to new heights with drone technology

Formerly known as Aarav Unmanned Systems, Aereo is India's leader in integrated drone solutions. Founded in 2013 by IIT Kanpur graduates Vipul Singh and Suhas Banshiwala, Aereo leverages drone technology to deliver transformative aerial intelligence solutions across diverse industries, including mining, urban development, and construction.

Headquartered in Bangalore, Aereo's dedication to innovation goes beyond just creating scalable solutions; they focus on contributing to a sustainable future by enhancing efficiency and minimising environmental impact within these industries. Their team of experts is constantly pushing the boundaries of drone technology, solidifying Aereo's position as a trailblazer in the field.

DigitalPaani: An IoT solution for smarter water management

DigitalPaani, founded in 2020 by the dynamic father-daughter duo Rajesh and Mansi Jain, tackles the challenge of water asset management with their innovative IoT-enabled integrated operations platform. Based in Gurugram and backed by leading investors, DigitalPaani has secured $1.2 million in funding to date. Their platform provides comprehensive water asset assessments, process automation, precise chemical dosing recommendations, and maintenance guidance, ultimately optimising operational efficiency and reducing costs.

DigitalPaani's commitment extends beyond just data; they offer troubleshooting support and suggest operational and physical improvements for water infrastructure. This holistic approach ensures the sustainable management of this vital resource.

These five startups represent a microcosm of the exciting advancements happening in India's sustainability sector. From tackling battery waste to building a robust EV charging network and harnessing drone technology for environmental good, these companies demonstrate the power of innovation to address pressing environmental challenges. As they continue to grow and scale their solutions, they pave the way for a cleaner, greener future for India and inspire others to join the fight against climate change.