SusCrunch 2025, curated by The Sustainability Mafia, set a new benchmark in India’s climate innovation space with its high-impact gathering in Bengaluru on July 19. Designed for radical collaboration, the sold-out event hosted over 400 climate founders, corporate leaders, investors, and enablers, emphasizing actionable solutions over traditional conference formats.
The summit focused on driving scale and tangible outcomes for climate solutions across energy transition, circular materials, water systems, agri-tech, and climate intelligence. At its heart was the Builder Room, where 24 selected founders, including those working in renewable energy, climate finance, and circularity, engaged directly with investors and corporates to co-develop solutions for urgent climate challenges.
“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, The Sustainability Mafia & Founder, Climes.
The Climate Sitdowns offered another intimate format, where founders like Mirik Gogri and Manoj Meena shared raw, unfiltered stories on the realities of building climate ventures in India—from funding challenges to regulatory navigation.
The day’s momentum peaked during the SusVentures Big Pi Grant Pitch Finale, where five early-stage startups presented groundbreaking ideas—ranging from plastic-to-pyrolysis oil platforms to AI-based biosensors. The winning startup was awarded a ₹31.4 lakh grant, jointly sponsored by PIEDS, BITS Pilani’s incubation centre.
“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.
A major highlight was the India Climate Opportunity Map, a curated list of 25 urgent, investible climate startups tailored for the Indian market—spotlighting what’s next for investors and innovators alike.
SusCrunch 2025 was not just a moment—it marked momentum. As the day closed with scribbled whiteboards and informal chats over chai, the resounding takeaway was clear: India’s climate movement is no longer emerging—it’s accelerating.