Bengaluru: With India facing projected climate-related losses of ₹6 trillion annually by 2030 and over 1.1 billion citizens at risk, nonprofit climate-tech collective The Sustainability Mafia (SusMafia) has launched the nation’s first-ever Climate-Tech Opportunity Map.
This groundbreaking initiative presents 25 high-impact startup ideas that have the potential to mitigate up to 72% of India’s carbon emissions across critical sectors.
The Climate-Tech Opportunity Map is designed to mobilize the next generation of climate-tech entrepreneurs, offering validated, market-ready opportunities rooted in urgent challenges across energy, industry, agriculture, and water.
It serves as a strategic guide for early-stage founders, accelerators, investors, and ecosystem enablers seeking to create scalable, sustainable impact.
The initiative is part of SusVentures, SusMafia’s flagship program that supports early-stage climate entrepreneurs. “This map gives aspiring founders the confidence to act with clarity, backed by mentors, market access, and investor connections,” said Aneesa Patel, Co-founder of SusVentures. “We want to see bold builders solve climate problems from day one.”
Key Highlights of the Climate-Tech Opportunity Map:
- Identifies 25 startup-ready climate solutions with high emissions-reduction potential
- Sectors covered: Industrial energy (43% of emissions), water (70% contaminated or depleting sources), textile recycling, agri-biomass, and decentralized storage
- Co-authored by Bharti Singhla (Momentum Capital) and Paridhi Mishra (Climate Corps)
- Developed with deep input from climate founders, funders, and domain experts in the SusMafia network
- Prioritizes underserved markets, real pain points, and scalable white spaces
“India needs more climate startups solving the right problems – and fast,” said Singhla and Mishra. “This map demystifies where to begin and connects founders with a living ecosystem of collaborators.”
Also Read: HCL and UpLink Launch Global Water Resilience Challenge for Climate-Tech Startups
A Push for Inclusive Climate Entrepreneurship
The report also highlights the importance of inclusive innovation. Currently, only 13% of clean energy entrepreneurs in India are women, despite women being disproportionately affected by climate change. The project team includes several women climate leaders, and hopes to inspire more female founders to enter the sector.
What’s Next?
The Climate-Tech Opportunity Map is a living document. Future editions will include additional domains like built environment, carbon removal, and biotech x climate. SusMafia is actively inviting contributors to co-create the next version.
