SusCrunch 2025 Puts Climate Founders in the Spotlight in Bengaluru
Bengaluru | The 2025 edition of SusCrunch, hosted by The Sustainability Mafia, marked a defining moment for India’s evolving climate innovation landscape. Held on July 19 in Bengaluru, this action-focused summit united more than 400 key stakeholders—including climate-tech founders, corporate sustainability leaders, impact investors, and ecosystem enablers—for a dynamic, solutions-oriented day of climate collaboration.
Built around the theme of real-world problem-solving and radical cooperation, SusCrunch 2025 steered away from the conventional conference setup. Instead, it transformed into a vibrant arena of live innovation—designed to accelerate scale and impact across India’s most pressing climate sectors including energy transition, circular materials, agri-tech, water systems, and climate intelligence.
“SusCrunch this year was surreal. I’ve never been in a room more electrifying. It wasn’t just an event; it felt like a carnival. For many working in the climate space, the journey can feel isolating. But this reminded us that we’re not alone, and reaffirmed the power of shared values, the strength of community, and the magic that happens when generosity drives collaboration. That shared mindset of ‘Give > Get’ is what makes this movement unstoppable,” said Anirudh Gupta, Director of The Sustainability Mafia & Founder, Climes.
The Builder Room: Live Problem-Solving for Scalable Impact
At the heart of the event was the Builder Room—a high-energy, hands-on format where 24 climate startup founders across sectors presented live business challenges. Leading corporates and investors engaged directly, offering tangible support, advice, and potential partnerships. The atmosphere was intentionally raw, collaborative, and focused on in-the-moment progress.
Radical Candour and Founder Insights
A highlight of SusCrunch 2025 was the Climate Sitdowns, where thought leaders like Mirik Gogri and Manoj Meena shared unfiltered stories of building climate ventures in India. These sessions tackled real hurdles—regulatory barriers, capital winters, and the emotional toll of startup journeys—through honest, human conversations.
SusVentures Big Pi Grant: Spotlight on Innovation
The energy peaked during the SusVentures Big Pi Grant Pitch Finale, where five cutting-edge startups showcased climate-tech innovations. The winning venture received a grant of ₹31.4 lakh, co-sponsored by PIEDS, the incubation arm of BITS Pilani.
Noteworthy solutions included:
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A platform converting plastic and biomass waste into pyrolysis oil, offering a scalable fossil fuel alternative.
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A biotech venture using AI and engineered microbes to detect environmental pollutants, drug residues, and pathogens with next-level precision.
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“The Sustainability Venture Creation program is the most creative and engrossing 3 course credits you can earn at BITS Pilani. SusVentures program affirms our alignment to SusMafia’s vision of supporting and scaling sustainability ventures. Together, we aim to not only incubate bold ideas but also shape ventures that create long-term climate impact for India and the world,” said Sachin Arya, CEO, Incubation and Entrepreneurship, BITS Pilani.
Launch of the India Climate Opportunity Map
A key announcement at SusCrunch 2025 was the unveiling of the India Climate Opportunity Map, a curated guide featuring 25 high-potential climate startups. This first-of-its-kind list serves as a blueprint for impact-driven investment and support in India’s climate space.
Looking Ahead: Movement, Not a Moment
SusCrunch 2025 clearly showcased India’s climate startup ecosystem moving from momentum to maturity. Through real partnerships, cross-sector dialogue, and trust-driven action, the event signaled a shift from isolated innovation to collective climate solutions. And as the conversations flowed long after the formal sessions ended, one message resonated: the movement has only just begun.
