Sustainability is central to Chakr Innovation’s R&D and business philosophy. The company adopts a well-to-wheel approach, emphasising low-impact, recycled materials and energy-efficient technologies, says Kushagra Srivastava, Co-founder and CEO, Chakr Innovation, in conversation with 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.

“For us, the most rewarding milestone has been the widespread adoption of the Chakr Shield. With over 4,000 installations across sectors and more than 1,500 customers, the company has helped prevent approximately 2.5 million metric tons of CO2 emissions. The technology’s endorsement by government authorities and accredited laboratories further validates its impact on the environment and its alignment with India’s net-zero goals’, narrates Srivastava.

Sustainability is central to Chakr Innovation’s R&D and business philosophy. The company adopts a well-to-wheel approach, emphasising low-impact, recycled materials and energy-efficient technologies. The Chakr Shield exemplifies this commitment by reducing harmful diesel generator emissions and contributing to cleaner air. Over the past year, the company has successfully prevented 75 metric tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere, reflecting the tangible impact of their efforts.

Chakr Innovation is poised for further growth and market expansion. With a strategic focus on integrating material science with climate change solutions, the company is leveraging AI, machine learning, and data science to optimise operations and build data-driven systems. Chakr Innovation is also exploring opportunities to expand its international footprint, with several orders secured from global markets.

Looking ahead, the company is excited about the future of energy storage technologies, particularly aluminium-air technology. This technology offers higher energy density, safety, and recyclability, aligning perfectly with the company’s mission to advance material science. “Aluminium-air technology represents a transformative leap in clean energy innovation, harnessing the oxidation of aluminium to create electricity with an impressive energy density. While the technology is currently in the pre-pilot stage for applications such as Battery Operated Pallet Trucks (BOPT) and e-scooters, its potential is immense. By enabling mechanical recharging through recyclable aluminium plates, we’re paving the way for a sustainable and scalable energy solution. Over the next couple of years, we will continue refining the technology through focused pilots at the B2B level, with a vision to bring it to full-scale market release by early 2027. This marks a significant step towards a greener, more self-reliant India,” explains Srivastava.

By reducing reliance on traditional energy storage systems, Chakr Innovation aims to disrupt industries like electric mobility, drones, and material handling while supporting India’s ambitious vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.