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Synapses Joins Forces with Microsoft to Drive Decarbonization in the Tech Sector!

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Synapses Joins Forces with Microsoft to Drive Decarbonization in the Tech Sector!

The technology industry, known for its rapid growth, also faces scrutiny for its substantial carbon footprint. Acknowledging the urgent need for change, AIC-Synapses Innovation Foundation has partnered with Microsoft to launch the Tech Sector Decarbonization Challenge. This initiative, introduced in September 2024, aims to foster scalable solutions to help the tech sector transition to a low-carbon future.

Accelerating Cleantech Solutions

The challenge targets startups with innovations at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 or higher, ensuring that proposed concepts have been validated in laboratory settings and are ready for real-world application. Recently, the initiative reached a key milestone with the announcement of its finalists, marking progress in promoting cleantech advancements.

Focus Areas for Startups

The program attracted startups specializing in various sectors, including:

  • Energy Transition: Innovations that facilitate the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
  • Circular Economy: Solutions that promote recycling and sustainable resource management.
  • Energy-Efficient AI and Machine Learning: Technologies that optimize energy consumption through intelligent algorithms.
  • Carbon Markets: Platforms that enhance carbon credit trading and tracking.

Out of 166 applicants, 12 startups were chosen to showcase their groundbreaking ideas at the Innovation Challenge Awards.

Empowering Startups for a Sustainable Future

The finalists were awarded up to $150,000 in Microsoft Azure credits, along with training and incubation support from Synapses. Furthermore, Synapses is evaluating the winners for potential investments, further incentivizing innovation in this critical space.

Notable Finalists

The selected startups presented a range of solutions tackling climate change. Some notable entries included:

  • Greengine (Kanpur): A microalgae-based carbon capture system aimed at reducing atmospheric CO2 levels.
  • Terano (Gurugram): A blockchain platform designed for carbon credit trading, enhancing transparency and efficiency.
  • Other innovative companies like LivNSense GreenOps, Flock Energy, and Bhumi Technologies showcased pioneering technologies focused on sustainability.

Industry Leaders Champion Decarbonization

Synapses Co-founder Ruchira Shukla highlighted the importance of corporate involvement in achieving sustainability goals:

“Through this partnership with Microsoft, we are enabling startups to tackle climate challenges while helping the tech industry embrace a low-carbon future.”

Microsoft’s Alok Lall, COO of India & South Asia, reiterated the company’s dedication to climate action:

“This challenge nurtures impactful solutions that redefine the environmental footprint of the tech sector.”

A Platform for Change

The program’s culmination took place at Microsoft’s office, where an esteemed panel of experts evaluated the startups’ innovations. Panelists included representatives from leading incubators such as AIC IIITH and Villgro, corporate entities like Nasscom and IEEMA, and think tanks like Invest India and the OMI Foundation.

This diverse group of stakeholders provided valuable feedback, helping startups refine their approaches and gain critical exposure.

About Synapses

Founded by IIT alumni Ruchira Shukla and Karthik Chandrasekar in 2020, Synapses is a $125 million venture capital fund dedicated to addressing climate and health challenges through STEM-based innovations. The organization bridges the gap between scientific breakthroughs and commercialization, fostering market leaders in cleantech.

Future Aspirations

This partnership with Microsoft underscores Synapses’ commitment to empowering startups to revolutionize sustainability efforts, paving the way for a cleaner, greener tech industry. By 2025, Synapses aims to significantly increase its portfolio of sustainable technologies and establish itself as a leader in climate innovation.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Synapses and Microsoft through the Tech Sector Decarbonization Challenge represents a significant step toward addressing the pressing issue of carbon emissions in the tech industry. By supporting innovative startups focused on sustainable solutions, this initiative not only aims to reduce the environmental impact of technology but also fosters a culture of accountability and responsibility within the sector. As these startups develop their technologies further, they hold the potential to drive meaningful change in how businesses approach sustainability in an increasingly digital world.

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Jio Financial Services Introduces Digital Loans Against Securities

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Jio Financial Services, through its NBFC arm Jio Finance Limited, has launched a fully digital Loan Against Securities (LAS) service. This innovative offering allows customers to secure loans up to ₹1 crore against their shares and mutual funds within just 10 minutes via the JioFinance app.

 

Key Features:

  • Digital Process: Entirely online for speed and convenience.
  • Loan Amount: Up to ₹1 crore.
  • Interest Rates: Starting at 9.99%, tailored to individual risk profiles.
  • Tenure: Maximum of three years.
  • No Foreclosure Charges: Flexible repayment options.

Strategic Impact:

The LAS offering aligns with Jio Financial’s broader digital strategy to make financial services more accessible and efficient. It complements existing products like home loans and corporate financing.

Market Response:

Jio Financial Services’ stock rose significantly following the announcement, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s digital expansion. The shares increased by up to 5.5% on the BSE, highlighting the market’s positive reception of this strategic move12.

Leadership Perspective:

Kusal Roy, MD and CEO of Jio Finance Limited, emphasized that this launch is part of a comprehensive digital strategy aimed at transforming customer interactions with financial services1.

Future Prospects:

With its focus on technology and customer convenience, Jio Financial is poised to become a leading player in India’s digital financial services sector.

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Aerem Secures ₹100 Crore in Series A Funding

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Mumbai-based solar financing startup Aerem has raised ₹100 crore in a Series A funding round. The round was led by Japan’s University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners (UTEC) and included investments from British International Investment (BII), SE Ventures, Riverwalk Holdings, and existing investors Blume Ventures and Avaana Capital.

Strategic Use of Funds

Aerem will use the funds to expand its operations across India, focusing on underserved eastern and southern regions. It aims to enhance its solar financing solutions, improve its B2B marketplace for solar equipment, and refine its tech platform. Additionally, the company plans to broaden its lending portfolio and reduce customer acquisition costs by leveraging its network of over 2,000 verified solar installers.

Aerem’s Impact

Founded in 2021 by Anand Jain and Vikesh Agarwal, Aerem provides comprehensive solutions for distributed solar energy adoption. Its services include:

  • Solar Financing: Loans for businesses and homeowners through its NBFC arm, NetZero Finance.
  • Equipment Procurement: The SunStore marketplace offers competitively priced solar equipment.
  • Support for Installers: Benefits for over 2,000 verified installation partners include financing access, quality equipment, and digital tools.

Aerem has enabled over 800 megawatts of solar capacity across 65 Indian cities, financing more than 800 projects. Its deployments have prevented nearly 22 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions and could save MSMEs up to ₹14,000 crore in energy costs.

Revenue Growth

Aerem reported significant revenue growth in FY24, with a 9X increase to ₹175 crore from ₹1.84 crore in FY23. This growth highlights the scalability of its business model.

Future Plans

With this funding, Aerem is poised to accelerate India’s transition to sustainable energy by eliminating barriers to solar adoption and empowering local businesses.

 

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Sweet Karam Coffee Secures $8 Million in Funding from Peak XV and Fireside Ventures

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Sweet Karam Coffee, a Chennai-based brand specializing in traditional South Indian snacks and sweets, has raised $8 million in Series A funding from Peak XV Partners and Fireside Ventures. Founded in 2015 by Anand Bharadwaj and Nalini Parthiban, the company offers products free from palm oil and preservatives, catering to customers across 32 countries.

This investment follows a previous $1.5 million funding from Fireside Ventures in October 2023, which supported offline expansion. The new funds will be used to enhance distribution through omnichannel networks, develop new products, and bolster technology-driven supply chain capabilities. 

 

Sweet Karam Coffee has grown its revenue four-fold over the past year and expects to grow another 2.5 times in the coming year.

The company has also appointed Nandhitha Indermohan, a former Unilever executive, as its Chief Operating Officer to boost operations. This strategic move positions Sweet Karam Coffee for further growth, leveraging the booming quick commerce sector and expanding its presence across India and globally.

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