Chakr Innovation is at the forefront of clean technology, revolutionising emission control with innovative solutions designed to combat air pollution. The company is focusing on addressing overlooked yet critical sources of pollution, particularly harmful emissions from diesel generators, says Sanskriti Ramachandran.

In a world where pollution is a growing concern, a group of IIT Delhi graduates envisioned a future where clean air is not just a hope, but a reality. Founded in 2016, Chakr Innovation was born out of a deep desire to tackle the often-overlooked causes of air pollution. As diesel generators silently contributed a significant portion to India’s pollution levels, the founders decided to take action. While most discussions focused on the larger, visible impacts of air pollution, the team recognised a major contributor that was often overlooked: diesel generators. These essential backup power sources were silently responsible for nearly 18% of air pollution, which led the founders to innovate and develop a solution with immediate, measurable benefits. With a commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology, Chakr Innovation is not just shaping the future of clean air, but actively building it.

Chakr Innovation's journey began with the development of a single product, the Retrofit Emission Control Device (RECD), which aims to reduce emissions from diesel generators. Over the years, the company has expanded into a robust enterprise, establishing manufacturing plants in Pune and Gurugram, and achieving nationwide reach. The company's patented technology, which complies with CPCB standards, has been tested and certified by leading government labs, making it a trusted solution for emission reduction in India.

Today, Chakr Innovation with over 4,000 installations of its emission reduction technology- Chakr Shield, and more than 1500 satisfied customers, the company has contributed to reducing over 150,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Their achievements have earned recognition from prestigious organisations, including the United Nations, IIT Delhi, and NITI Aayog.

Despite its success, Chakr Innovation has faced its share of challenges, particularly around the adoption of its innovative technology. The introduction of a new emission control solution like Chakr Shield was met with resistance due to a lack of familiarity with the technology. However, the team viewed these challenges as opportunities to educate the industry and regulatory bodies about the benefits of the Chakr Shield, its cost efficiency, and environmental impact.

“The team worked tirelessly to simplify the adoption process, ensuring the Chakr Shield was modular, customisable, and easy to retrofit into diesel generators. By collaborating with regulatory authorities and industry leaders, Chakr Innovation overcame these hurdles, positioning the Chakr Shield as a certified, trusted solution for emission control, says Kushagra Srivastava, Co-founder and CEO, Chakr Innovation.

The Chakr Shield, India’s first Type Approved Retrofit Emission Control Device (RECD), sets itself apart by reducing particulate matter emissions by up to 90%, ensuring compliance with stringent environmental standards. The device's passive regenerative trap technology and snap-fit installation make it one of the most user-friendly emission control solutions available.