Delhi NCR is a region gasping under the weight of pollution, heatwaves, and environmental degradation. Amid this challenge, a new wave of climate tech startups is taking root in the region, seeking to offer homegrown solutions to complex environmental problems.
Varaha, founded in Delhi NCR in 2022, is among them. Early this year, Google partnered with Varaha to purchase 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide removal credits from Varaha by 2030 through its biochar projects. Biochar transforms agricultural waste into a stable form of charcoal capable of sequestering carbon for centuries.
Varaha also empowers smallholder farmers to adopt sustainable practices like regenerative agriculture, afforestation, and biochar. The company has already onboarded over 100,000 farmers. Varaha’s work in Punjab and Haryana – areas surrounding Delhi NCR – also aims to curb stubble burning by turning crop residues into biochar. “Our approach is science and tech-first,” says Madhur Jain, cofounder & CEO. “We use AI, remote sensing, and biogeochemical modeling to monitor and verify carbon removals effectively.”
Also rising from Delhi’s climate challenges is Dharaksha Ecosolutions, founded in 2020. It’s replacing Styrofoam packaging with biodegradable alternatives made from paddy straw waste – the same waste responsible for Delhi’s infamous smog every winter.
“Our product decomposes in 60 days but outperforms thermocol in all aspects,” says Arpit Dhupar, CEO at Dharaksha Ecosolutions. Based in Faridabad, the startup sits at the heart of the region’s manufacturing and pollution hotspots. “It made perfect sense for us to be here – close to where pollution starts and where packaging is consumed,” says Dhupar.
Building a low-carbon food chain
Agritech startup FarMart, headquartered in Gurugram, connects over 3.5 million farmers via a digital supply platform. By reducing inefficiencies in transport and storage, FarMart cuts carbon emissions and food waste at scale.
“Our logistics model emits 33% less carbon per tonne than conventional systems,” says co-founder & CEO Alekh Sanghera. The startup works with food processors in Delhi NCR to help them transition to cleaner energy and more sustainable practices.
FarMart’s digital ecosystem includes apps that manage everything from supply-demand matching to real-time shipment tracking.
On the other hand, Eeki Foods’s aeroponic farming technique allows year-round vegetable farming with 80% less water and no soil, helping tackle both food security and environmental degradation. “Our tech reduces the carbon footprint of vegetables consumed in NCR by cutting down transport and chemical inputs,” says co-founder Abhay Singh. Eeki’s systems are IoT-enabled and climate-controlled, offering realtime data for optimised farming.
Eeki also sells its vegetables at local mandis, including Delhi’s massive Azadpur Mandi. “The idea is not just to grow food better, but to grow it closer to where it’s consumed,” Singh adds.
Beyond farming and alternative material innovations are ventures like Green Aero Propulsion, a Delhibased startup that is developing green hydrogen-based propulsion systems to decarbonise aviation and shipping. The venture was recognised recently at Startup Mahakumbh in Delhi.
Why Delhi NCR?
Why did these startups choose Delhi NCR? For many, proximity to policymakers, investors, and talent is key. “NCR is not just where the problems are – it’s also where solutions can scale fastest,” says Jain of Varaha. The region also offers logistical advantages: access to agricultural states, industrial zones, and India’s largest consumer base.
FarMart’s Sanghera echoes the sentiment: “Being in Gurugram gave us access to north India’s food belts and top tech talent.” For Dharaksha Ecosolutions, proximity of Delhi NCR’s manufacturing hubs like Noida, Manesar, Faridabad was key. “These are locations where hardware products are made and use large amounts of packaging material,” says Dhupar.
In a city battling climate chaos, this new generation of founders may just be its best hope for a cleaner, more resilient future.
Varaha, founded in Delhi NCR in 2022, is among them. Early this year, Google partnered with Varaha to purchase 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide removal credits from Varaha by 2030 through its biochar projects. Biochar transforms agricultural waste into a stable form of charcoal capable of sequestering carbon for centuries.
Varaha also empowers smallholder farmers to adopt sustainable practices like regenerative agriculture, afforestation, and biochar. The company has already onboarded over 100,000 farmers. Varaha’s work in Punjab and Haryana – areas surrounding Delhi NCR – also aims to curb stubble burning by turning crop residues into biochar. “Our approach is science and tech-first,” says Madhur Jain, cofounder & CEO. “We use AI, remote sensing, and biogeochemical modeling to monitor and verify carbon removals effectively.”
Also rising from Delhi’s climate challenges is Dharaksha Ecosolutions, founded in 2020. It’s replacing Styrofoam packaging with biodegradable alternatives made from paddy straw waste – the same waste responsible for Delhi’s infamous smog every winter.
“Our product decomposes in 60 days but outperforms thermocol in all aspects,” says Arpit Dhupar, CEO at Dharaksha Ecosolutions. Based in Faridabad, the startup sits at the heart of the region’s manufacturing and pollution hotspots. “It made perfect sense for us to be here – close to where pollution starts and where packaging is consumed,” says Dhupar.
Building a low-carbon food chain
Agritech startup FarMart, headquartered in Gurugram, connects over 3.5 million farmers via a digital supply platform. By reducing inefficiencies in transport and storage, FarMart cuts carbon emissions and food waste at scale.
“Our logistics model emits 33% less carbon per tonne than conventional systems,” says co-founder & CEO Alekh Sanghera. The startup works with food processors in Delhi NCR to help them transition to cleaner energy and more sustainable practices.
FarMart’s digital ecosystem includes apps that manage everything from supply-demand matching to real-time shipment tracking.
On the other hand, Eeki Foods’s aeroponic farming technique allows year-round vegetable farming with 80% less water and no soil, helping tackle both food security and environmental degradation. “Our tech reduces the carbon footprint of vegetables consumed in NCR by cutting down transport and chemical inputs,” says co-founder Abhay Singh. Eeki’s systems are IoT-enabled and climate-controlled, offering realtime data for optimised farming.
Eeki also sells its vegetables at local mandis, including Delhi’s massive Azadpur Mandi. “The idea is not just to grow food better, but to grow it closer to where it’s consumed,” Singh adds.
Beyond farming and alternative material innovations are ventures like Green Aero Propulsion, a Delhibased startup that is developing green hydrogen-based propulsion systems to decarbonise aviation and shipping. The venture was recognised recently at Startup Mahakumbh in Delhi.
Why Delhi NCR?
Why did these startups choose Delhi NCR? For many, proximity to policymakers, investors, and talent is key. “NCR is not just where the problems are – it’s also where solutions can scale fastest,” says Jain of Varaha. The region also offers logistical advantages: access to agricultural states, industrial zones, and India’s largest consumer base.
FarMart’s Sanghera echoes the sentiment: “Being in Gurugram gave us access to north India’s food belts and top tech talent.” For Dharaksha Ecosolutions, proximity of Delhi NCR’s manufacturing hubs like Noida, Manesar, Faridabad was key. “These are locations where hardware products are made and use large amounts of packaging material,” says Dhupar.
In a city battling climate chaos, this new generation of founders may just be its best hope for a cleaner, more resilient future.
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