Innovation, Technology and Net Zero

August 24, 2023
IIT Madras Research Park, Kanagam Road, Taramani, Chennai

In partnership with Environmental Defense Fund India(EDIF), IndiaSpend and Global Order curated and managed a series of four roundtables and convenings
focusing on various aspects of environment and climate sustainability. This series of roundtables included experts from research, academia, think tanks, finance, policy
and government, entrepreneurs and businesses, and civil society organizations among others.

The third in this series was in a panel discussion format held in Chennai and focused on emerging technologies in the automotive sectors, energy solutions, fuel choices, and innovation in fuel transitions.

In the pursuit of achieving net-zero emissions, a delicate balance must be struck between fostering economic growth and implementing effective reductions in emissions. This requires innovative ideation, particularly in sectors that serve as critical contributors to carbon footprints. By identifying and implementing strategic solutions in these sectors, we can chart a course towards sustainable development, ensuring that economic prosperity aligns harmoniously with environmental responsibility on the path to net zero.

Speakers

Vish Sahasranamam

Vish Sahasranamam

Co Founder & CEO, Forge Innovation & Ventures

Manish Chourasia

Manish Chourasia

Managing Director, Tata Cleantech Capital Ltd

Bruno Nguyen

Bruno Nguyen

Deputy Consul General of France

Anuradha Ramachandran

Anuradha Ramachandran

Managing Partner, TVS Capital

Pradeep Thangappan

Pradeep Thangappan

COO, Aerostrovilos

Kartik Kumar

Kartik Kumar

R&D Director, Saint Gobain Research India

Dr. Shankar Venugopal

Dr. Shankar Venugopal

Vice President, Mahindra & Mahindra

Deepa Sathiaram

Deepa Sathiaram

Executive Director, En3 Sustainability

Prof. Ashok Jhunjhunwala

Prof. Ashok Jhunjhunwala

Head, IITM Incubation Cell & Rural Technology & Business Incubator

Agenda

Indian Climate Leadership: Innovation, Technology & Net Zero
(August 24, 2023)

Opening address

11:00 am - 11:15 am

Introduction to the Indian Climate Leadership and EDIF

Fireside chat

11:15 am - 11:45 am

Discussion on the transformative potential of cleantech innovations in bridging the gap between climate action and economic growth.
With Prof. A Jhunjhunwala, President of IIT Madras research and incubation cell.

Panel discussion

11:45 am - 12:30 pm

Role of the private sector in India’s decarbonisation agenda. Integrating decarbonisation into corporate R&D frameworks and targets.

Panel discussion

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

Directing venture capital and private equity money towards enterprises/innovations that reduce carbon emissions and which drive India’s decarbonization agenda.

Lunch

1:30 pm

Lunch

In the media

About EDIF:

Environmental Defense India Foundation (EDIF) is established under Section 8 of the India Companies Act, 2013, is headquartered in Delhi, and operates charitable activities exclusively within India. EDIF’s mission is to support an Indian pathway to shared, sustainable prosperity. EDIF seeks to bring scientific and economic expertise and a spirit of diverse, authentic partnerships to advance India’s climate agenda. Specifically, EDIF will work to demonstrate the viability of sustainable livelihoods in agriculture, livestock and fisheries, establish shareholder value creation through responsible business, the potential of market forces (carbon & capital) , and the promise of climate tech in India.

About IndiaSpend:

IndiaSpend is the country’s first and only data journalism initiative. Founded in 2011, IndiaSpend utilises open data to analyse a range of issues with the broader objective of fostering better governance, transparency, and accountability on issues such as education, health, gender, youth and employment, climate change and environment, and governance. Launched in 2014, Factchecker.in, is a dedicated fact-checking initiative that examines statements and assertions made by those in public life for both accuracy and context.