In Startup50 2016: For its unique product, sophisticated technology that is made in India and for the potential impact it can have in an area where there is very little startup activity. 

Founder: Namita Gupta

With New Delhi declared as the most polluted city in the world by WHO, the timing for Namita Gupta’s business idea, the launch of air quality monitors, couldn’t be better. Despite the Government taking several strides to curtail pollution, Gupta decided to take matters in her own hands when she identified places; such as schools and restaurants where the need for better quality of air would be a must. With support from her father, who runs a manufacturing unit in Delhi, and her brother, a hardware engineer, she studied the existing air monitoring systems and narrowed down on particulate matter since there is more research and regulation associated with it.

After six months of fine-tuning, she launched her first Air Quality Monitoring device in February 2016, at Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000, a stark contrast compared to existing models which cost up to Rs. 1 crore. Of course, while her initial customers were friends and family, today the company is selling to schools and leading hospitals across Delhi.

With the Airveda Android app now grabbing eyeballs, Gupta wants to move a step further and work with the government in identifying causes and finding solutions for improving the air quality. In fact, the company’s vision is for air quality transformation to become a people’s movement; for people to change their behavior and become more conscious of the consequences of their actions.

Did You Know?

Fine particulate matter is known to be associated with increased risk of heart attacks and chronic diseases such as Asthma and lung disorders.