Top 10 Sustainable Startups in India

Sustainability has become a cornerstone of innovation and entrepreneurship in India, with startups leading the charge towards environmental conservation, renewable energy adoption, and sustainable development. Here’s an in-depth look at the top 10 sustainable startups in India that are making significant strides in promoting sustainability across various sectors.

1. Zerodha

Zerodha is India’s largest retail brokerage firm known not only for its disruptive approach to trading but also for its commitment to sustainability. The company promotes sustainability through initiatives like paperless trading, digital financial education, and eco-friendly office practices. Zerodha has set benchmarks in the fintech sector by integrating environmental responsibility into its core operations.

Focus	Overview	Location
Financial technology and sustainability	Largest retail brokerage firm in India promoting sustainability through paperless trading, digital financial education, and eco-friendly office practices.	Bengaluru, Karnataka

Zerodha – Top 10 Sustainable Startups in India

2. Ola Electric

Ola Electric is at the forefront of India’s electric mobility revolution. It aims to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) by providing affordable and efficient electric scooters. Ola Electric is also investing in building EV charging infrastructure across the country, making sustainable transportation accessible and convenient for all.

Focus	Overview	Location
Electric vehicles and sustainable mobility	Leading the electric mobility revolution in India with affordable electric scooters and EV charging infrastructure development.	Bengaluru, Karnataka

Ola Electric – Top 10 Sustainable Startups in India

3. Irrigation Water Technologies

Irrigation Water Technologies (IWT) is dedicated to enhancing water use efficiency in agriculture. The startup develops innovative irrigation systems that optimize water usage while maximizing crop yield. By promoting sustainable farming practices, IWT contributes significantly to water conservation efforts in India’s agricultural sector.

Focus	Overview	Location
Water conservation and agriculture	Develops innovative irrigation systems to optimize water usage and maximize crop yield, promoting sustainable farming practices.	Hyderabad, Telangana

Irrigation Water Technologies -Top 10 Sustainable Startups in India

4. Greenway Grameen Infra

Greenway Grameen Infra addresses indoor air pollution and deforestation by manufacturing and distributing clean cooking stoves. These stoves use biomass pellets instead of traditional fuels, reducing emissions and improving indoor air quality in rural households. The startup’s sustainable approach helps mitigate environmental impact while promoting health and well-being.

Focus	Overview	Location
Clean cooking solutions	Manufactures and distributes clean cooking stoves using biomass pellets, reducing indoor air pollution and deforestation in rural India.	Mumbai, Maharashtra

Greenway Grameen Infra – Top 10 Sustainable Startups in India

5. M-KOPA

M-KOPA revolutionizes access to clean and sustainable energy in off-grid areas of India. The startup provides affordable solar home systems through a pay-as-you-go model, enabling households to switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. M-KOPA’s initiatives contribute to reducing carbon emissions and fostering energy independence among rural communities.

Focus	Overview	Location
Solar energy and off-grid solutions	Provides affordable solar home systems through a pay-as-you-go model, enabling rural households to access clean and sustainable energy.	Bengaluru, Karnatak

M-KOPA – Top 10 Sustainable Startups in India

6. Avani

Avani promotes sustainable livelihoods and environmental conservation through organic farming and the production of eco-friendly textiles. The startup collaborates with local communities in Uttarakhand to cultivate organic crops and manufacture biodegradable products. Avani’s holistic approach integrates sustainable practices across its supply chain, supporting rural development and biodiversity conservation.

Focus	Overview	Location
Sustainable textiles and organic farming	Promotes sustainable livelihoods and environmental conservation through organic farming and eco-friendly textile production.	Uttara

Avani – Top 10 Sustainable Startups in India

7. Carbon Clean Solutions

Carbon Clean Solutions specializes in carbon capture technology to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from industries. The startup develops cost-effective solutions for capturing CO2, enabling industries to reduce their carbon footprint and comply with environmental regulations. Carbon Clean Solutions plays a crucial role in advancing climate change mitigation efforts through innovative clean technology.

Focus	Overview	Location
Carbon capture and utilization	Develops technology for capturing CO2 emissions from industries, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.	Gurugram, Haryana

Carbon Clean Solutions – Top 10 Sustainable Startups in India

8. Blue Planet Environmental Solutions

Blue Planet Environmental Solutions provides integrated waste management solutions in India, focusing on recycling and resource recovery. The startup collaborates with municipalities, industries, and communities to minimize waste generation and promote circular economy practices. Blue Planet Environmental Solutions contributes to environmental sustainability by diverting waste from landfills and promoting responsible waste management practices.

Focus	Overview	Location
Waste management and recycling	Provides integrated waste management solutions, focusing on recycling and resource recovery to minimize environmental impact.	Singapore (operates in India)

Blue Planet Environmental Solutions – Top 10 Sustainable Startups in India

9. Fourth Partner Energy

Fourth Partner Energy is a leading player in India’s renewable energy sector, specializing in solar power generation. The startup develops and operates solar power plants across the country, catering to commercial and industrial clients. Fourth Partner Energy’s projects contribute to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and advancing India’s transition towards clean and sustainable energy sources.

Focus	Overview	Location
Renewable energy and solar power	Develops and operates solar power plants across India, catering to commercial and industrial sectors to promote clean energy adoption.	Hyderabad, Telangana

Fourth Partner Energy – Top 10 Sustainable Startups in India

10. ReNew Power

ReNew Power is one of India’s largest renewable energy companies, with a robust portfolio of wind and solar power projects. The startup plays a pivotal role in enhancing India’s renewable energy capacity and reducing carbon emissions. ReNew Power’s sustainable energy initiatives contribute to mitigating climate change impacts and promoting sustainable development.

Focus	Overview	Location
Renewable energy and clean power generation	One of India’s largest renewable energy companies with a portfolio of wind and solar power projects contributing to sustainable development.	Gurugram, Haryana

ReNew Power – Top 10 Sustainable Startups in India

frequently asked questions (FAQs) for each of the top 10 Sustainable startups in India:

What is Zerodha’s approach to sustainability in the financial technology sector?
- Zerodha promotes sustainability through initiatives such as paperless trading, digital financial education, and eco-friendly office practices. By minimizing paper usage and educating clients digitally, Zerodha reduces its environmental footprint.
How is Ola Electric contributing to sustainable mobility in India?
- Ola Electric is accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) by offering affordable electric scooters and establishing EV charging infrastructure across India. This initiative aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions from urban transportation.
What innovative solutions does Irrigation Water Technologies offer for water conservation in agriculture?
- Irrigation Water Technologies develops innovative irrigation systems that optimize water usage in agriculture. These systems help farmers maximize crop yield while reducing water consumption, contributing to sustainable farming practices.
How does Greenway Grameen Infra address indoor air pollution and deforestation through its products?
- Greenway Grameen Infra manufactures clean cooking stoves that use biomass pellets instead of traditional fuels. By reducing indoor air pollution and minimizing reliance on firewood, the startup contributes to environmental conservation and public health improvement in rural areas.
What is M-KOPA’s pay-as-you-go model and how does it promote off-grid solar energy solutions?
- M-KOPA offers solar home systems on a pay-as-you-go basis, allowing households in off-grid areas to access clean and sustainable energy. This model makes solar energy affordable and accessible, enabling rural communities to improve their living standards while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
What initiatives does Avani undertake to promote sustainable textiles and organic farming practices in Uttarakhand?
- Avani collaborates with local communities in Uttarakhand to cultivate organic crops and produce eco-friendly textiles. By promoting sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity conservation, Avani supports rural development and environmental sustainability.
How does Carbon Clean Solutions’ technology contribute to carbon capture and climate change mitigation?
- Carbon Clean Solutions develops technology for capturing CO2 emissions from industries, making it economically viable to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This technology supports global efforts to mitigate climate change by enabling industries to adopt cleaner production processes.
What role does Blue Planet Environmental Solutions play in waste management and recycling in India?
- Blue Planet Environmental Solutions provides integrated waste management solutions focused on recycling and resource recovery. By diverting waste from landfills and promoting circular economy practices, the startup minimizes environmental impact and fosters sustainable waste management.
How does Fourth Partner Energy promote renewable energy adoption through its solar power projects?
- Fourth Partner Energy develops and operates solar power plants across India, catering to commercial and industrial sectors. By increasing access to renewable energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, the startup accelerates India’s transition to a sustainable energy future.
What are the key contributions of ReNew Power to India’s renewable energy sector and sustainable development?
- ReNew Power is a leading renewable energy company in India, focusing on wind and solar power projects. The company’s initiatives contribute to reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy security, and promoting sustainable development through clean energy solutions.
Which startup focuses on clean cooking solutions using biomass pellets, and how does it benefit rural communities in India?
- Greenway Grameen Infra manufactures clean cooking stoves using biomass pellets, addressing indoor air pollution and deforestation in rural India. By providing cleaner and safer cooking solutions, the startup improves health outcomes and environmental sustainability in rural households.
How do these sustainable startups integrate environmental responsibility into their business models while achieving economic growth?
- These startups integrate environmental responsibility by developing products and services that address pressing environmental issues such as energy consumption, water conservation, waste management, and carbon emissions. By promoting sustainable practices, they not only contribute to environmental conservation but also create value for stakeholders and foster long-term economic growth.

Conclusion:

These top 10 sustainable startups in India exemplify innovation, entrepreneurship, and commitment to environmental and social sustainability. By leveraging technology, renewable resources, and community engagement, these startups are not only driving economic growth but also addressing critical environmental challenges. Their initiatives pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future, demonstrating that sustainable practices can lead to both business success and positive impact on society and the planet. As these startups continue to expand their influence and scale their operations, they are set to play a crucial role in shaping India’s sustainable development trajectory.