A New Wave of Climate Innovation in Mumbai

India’s financial capital is known for its fast-paced business culture, towering skyline, and relentless energy. But beneath the surface of this bustling metropolis, a quiet revolution is taking place—led by startups that are tackling one of the most pressing global challenges: climate change.

From carbon capture to clean energy to sustainable packaging, Mumbai’s startup ecosystem is stepping up with bold ideas and scalable solutions to reduce emissions and build a greener urban future.

Why Climate Innovation Matters in Mumbai

Mumbai faces the twin challenges of urbanization and climate vulnerability:

• Frequent flooding and rising sea levels
• Dense traffic and air pollution
• Overloaded waste management systems
• Energy demands from commercial and residential growth

This makes the city a high-priority zone for sustainable innovation, and local startups are uniquely positioned to offer tech-enabled, community-centered solutions.

1. Carbon Masters – Urban Bio-CNG for Cleaner Energy

Carbon Masters converts organic waste into bio-CNG, which can be used for commercial kitchens and vehicles. Operating in urban centers like Mumbai, the company helps reduce landfill waste and carbon emissions from fossil fuels.

Impact:

• Diverts tons of wet waste from landfills
• Cuts methane emissions
• Reduces LPG dependency in restaurants

2. Recircle – Closing the Loop on Plastic Waste

Recircle (formerly known as RaddiConnect) offers a traceable system for plastic collection and recycling. Their model connects waste pickers, consumers, and brands to ensure plastic is diverted from landfills and oceans.

Innovation:

• Verified material recovery
• ESG reporting for corporates
• Carbon offset credits via plastic waste tracking

3. Chakr Innovation – Emission Control for Diesel Generators

Though based in Delhi, Chakr’s tech is making waves in Mumbai’s dense urban zones. They’ve developed a device that captures particulate emissions from diesel generators and converts them into ink and paints.

Why it matters in Mumbai:

• Many buildings still rely on diesel gensets
• The city suffers from PM2.5 pollution
• Their tech helps retrofit existing infrastructure without disruption

4. AirOk Technologies – Smart Indoor Air Purification

In a city where air quality is often compromised, startups like AirOk are offering AI-enabled indoor air quality monitors and purifiers tailored for Indian environments. Their systems are already installed in Mumbai schools, hospitals, and coworking spaces.

Sustainability angle:

• Monitors pollutants and adjusts filtering in real-time
• Reduces reliance on energy-heavy HVAC systems

5. Hydrogreens Agri Solutions – Vertical Farming for Cities

Hydrogreens promotes climate-resilient urban agriculture through hydroponics and vertical farming modules. In congested cities like Mumbai, their compact, soil-less systems allow buildings and schools to grow food using 90% less water.

Impact:

• Hyperlocal food supply
• Reduces emissions from food transport
• Enables low-carbon nutrition in urban zones

6. Oorjan Cleantech – Simplifying Solar for Urban Homes

Oorjan is helping Mumbai households and businesses adopt rooftop solar energy with financing, design, and installation support. Their platform streamlines the process, making solar more accessible to middle-income families.

Key advantage:

• Easy EMI options
• Real-time tracking of solar output
• Integration with Mumbai’s net metering policies

7. Beco – Eco-Friendly Consumer Products

Beco is a D2C brand offering biodegradable and reusable home products like bamboo tissues, compostable garbage bags, and coconut scrub pads. Their products are manufactured locally and packaged sustainably.

Mumbai advantage:

• Supplies eco-conscious urban households
• Encourages green choices among millennials
• Reduces microplastic pollution from daily use products

Startup Ecosystem Support

Mumbai’s climate tech innovators are supported by:

• VCs and accelerators focused on sustainability (e.g., Sangam Ventures, Climate Collective)
• Government-backed challenges and grants
• Corporate partnerships for pilot programs and ESG integration
• Educational institutions like IIT Bombay fostering deep-tech innovation

Challenges Ahead

Despite rapid growth, these startups face hurdles such as:

• Policy ambiguity on climate tech regulations
• Scaling solutions across informal sectors
• Infrastructure bottlenecks in dense urban zones
• Access to long-term green financing

However, strong community support, policy reforms, and global attention on climate action are opening new doors for Mumbai’s green entrepreneurs.

Mumbai’s Green Future is Being Built Now

As India commits to its net-zero goals by 2070, cities like Mumbai will play a pivotal role. These startups are not just building businesses—they’re crafting climate solutions for millions.

Whether it’s through clean energy, smart waste systems, or sustainable lifestyles, Mumbai’s startup ecosystem is quietly becoming a global model for urban climate innovation.