Startup Forum

Innovate4SDGs: Reimagining progress through Innovation in Sustainability

Overview

India’s remarkable progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals is powered by innovation across diverse sectors. Ambitious clean energy targets and initiatives like the National Solar Mission highlight India’s leadership, while strong policies and partnerships fuel a surge of clean tech startups in renewables, electric mobility, and green hydrogen. With over 6,600 startups leading sustainable innovation, India is becoming a global hub for impactful, ESG-driven solutions—proving that innovation in sustainability is essential for the nation’s growth and leadership.

The Global Sustainability Alliance presents Innovate4SDGs 2025 Startup Forum to be held on September 26th along with sidelines of ET Edge GSA 7th Annual Meeting. It is a dynamic platform bringing together visionary entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders. This forum challenges startups to showcase cutting-edge solutions that accelerate India’s sustainable development goals, offering unmatched opportunities for recognition, funding, and collaboration. Join us to compete, connect, and contribute to shaping a greener, more sustainable future.

India’s Tech and Innovation Ecosystem

Startup Ecosystem

Over 6,600 clean tech startups are active in India, supported by government-backed funds, tax benefits, and simplified compliance. These startups are crucial for job creation, technological advancement, and supply chain diversification.

Corporate & Investor Interest

Both domestic and international investors are drawn to India’s sustainable tech sector, attracted by its high growth rate, government backing, and the increasing demand for eco-friendly solutions across industries.

IT Industry & Digital Infrastructure

India’s broader IT industry is expected to reach $350 billion by 2025, providing a strong digital backbone for sustainable tech startups to innovate and scale.

Holistic Sustainability Approach

Beyond energy, India’s sustainability drive includes waste reduction, circular economy practices, and responsible resource management, making the ecosystem attractive for startups and investors focused on long-term, impactful growth.

Market Value & Growth

India’s green technology and sustainability market was valued at USD 837.2 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 8,603.2 million by 2033, reflecting a CAGR of 27.36% from 2025 to 2033. This rapid growth is driven by the integration of advanced technologies and a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility.

Government Support & Regulation

The Indian government is a major catalyst, offering policy incentives, regulatory frameworks, and ambitious targets—such as achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070. Key initiatives include the National Solar Mission, Smart Cities Mission, and incentives for electric vehicles, all designed to promote sustainable practices and boost adoption of green technologies.

Technology Adoption

Indian startups are leveraging cloud computing, IoT, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity to address real-time environmental challenges, optimize resource use, and enhance sustainability outcomes. These digital tools are critical for carbon tracking, energy management, and ESG compliance.

Sectoral Opportunities

The market encompasses a wide range of solutions—renewable energy (solar, wind, green hydrogen), energy-efficient systems, waste management, sustainable agriculture, and eco-friendly building materials. Leading companies like Suzlon Energy, Tata Power Solar, and Thermax are actively shaping the industry.

Objective of the forum
  • Foster innovation and highlight breakthrough technologies in sustainability and clean energy.

  • Connect startups with investors and industry stakeholders for collaboration opportunities.

  • Promote policy-industry-academia synergy for scalable and impactful solutions.

  • Raise awareness and build a green innovation ecosystem that supports climate-positive entrepreneurship.

  • Accelerate market adoption and scaling of sustainable technologies across sectors.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

  • Startups & Innovators

  • Investors & Venture Capitalists

  • Government & Policy Makers

  • Academia & Research Institutions

  • Corporate & Industry Leaders

  • Incubators & Accelerators

Agenda

11:00 - 11:15Opening Address: The New Green Economy: Catalyzing Clean Tech Investments for Sustainable Growth in India
11:15 - 11:30Keynote Address
11:30 - 11:45From Vision to Venture: The Solar Man of India and Green India Initiative
11:45 - 12:10 Leading Voices: Empowering Sustainable Change: Innovations from Science, Community, and Corporate Leadership
12:10 - 13:00Panel Discussion: Financing the Future: The Investor's Playbook for Sustainable Returns in India's Clean Tech
13:00 - 14:00Lunch Break
Startup Pitch Session
14:00 - 15:20Pitching the Future: Innovate4SDG
15:20 - 15:30Closing remarks

Partner

Research Partner

Speakers

Aadil Chitalwala

Vice President
Peak Ventures

Aashima Aghi

Sustainability Advocate & Social Entrepreneur
Marl Organics

Abhinav Yadav

Digital Creator & Founder
CreateYourTaste

Anjali Kapoor

Lead Marketing and Communication
Bare Craft

Dr Sachin Shingwan

Managing Director
Green India Initiative

Himanshu Sikka

Sr.Director
SAMRIDH Impact Solutions

Mamatha Venkatesh

Head
Startup India

Manish Khurrana

Founder & Co-founder
Innovation Venture Studio

Navya Singh

Founder & Sustainability Strategist
News With Navya

Neeti Mehra

Founder
Beejliving

Paula Mariwala

Founding Partner
Aureolis

Pawan Kumar Singh

Investor
ZeCa

Piyush Mathur

Investor
Odyssey Enerygy Solutions

Pradeep Biswas

Founder
Indian Ocean Group

Priyanka Dudeja

Investments & Portfolio
Acumen India 

Shailesh Vickram Singh

Founder
Go Massive Funds

Sowmya Suryanarayanan

Managing Director
Aavishkar Capital

Swati Shah Gupta

Strategic Advisor, Circular Economy Solutions 
Fireside Ventures

Tanish Shewani

Founder
Bharat Carbon

Yash Jain

Venture Capitalist
Blume Ventures

Startup Forum Registration