New Delhi -based Synapses partners with Microsoft

The tech sector is growing rapidly, but it also has a large carbon footprint. To achieve a low-carbon future, the tech industry must reduce its impact. To address this, the AIC-Synapses Innovation Foundation, in partnership with Microsoft, launched the Tech Sector Decarbonisation Challenge in September 2024.

The challenge invited startups with advanced solutions and a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4 or higher. The goal was to find and support innovations that can help the tech industry lower its carbon emissions and reach net-zero targets.

TRL 4 means the technology has been tested in a lab and proven to work, but it hasn’t been tested in real-world conditions yet. Today, we are announcing the finalists.

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During the challenge, startups shared creative ideas in areas like Energy Transition, Circular Economy, Energy-Efficient AI and Machine Learning, and Carbon Markets— all aiming to create a more sustainable tech sector. The top 12 participants had the chance to present their cleantech innovations at the Innovation Challenge Awards.

Each finalist received up to $150,000 in Microsoft Azure credits to help develop their projects, along with specialized training and support from Synapses. These winners will also be considered for potential investments by Synapses. The details of the shortlisted startups are listed at the end.

Ruchira Shukla, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Synapses, said, “Large corporations are key stakeholders in the journey to net zero as they pilot new innovations and support startups with product iterations and feedback, and in the process reduce their own carbon footprint by deploying these solutions. Microsoft has been a leader on this front with a range of global initiatives focused on climate action and sustainability. Synapses supports engineering and science innovations in ClimateTech, helping them grow to become global market leaders. We are excited about this partnership with Microsoft in furthering the decarbonization of the technology sector.

Alok Lall, COO, Microsoft India & South Asia said, “At Microsoft, we are committed to harnessing the power of technology to tackle the world’s most urgent challenges, with climate change at the forefront. By partnering with AIC-Synapses on the Tech Sector Decarbonisation Challenge we’re not just supporting innovation but empowering a new wave of startups to create impactful solutions that will transform the tech industry’s environmental footprint. This challenge is a critical step in accelerating the transition to a sustainable, net-zero economy and we’re excited to be part of the journey towards a cleaner greener future,”. 

Bried about Microsoft

Microsoft played a key role in the success of the program. They actively participated in the jury sessions to select the top 12 startups from 166 applicants. Microsoft also helped promote the program attracting talented innovators.

The program concluded at Microsoft’s office, offering the perfect setting to showcase these innovative solutions in a collaborative, industry-leading space.

About Synapses

Synapses is a venture capital fund focused on supporting STEM-based solutions for climate change and health. Founded by IIT alumni and experienced investors, Ruchira Shukla and Karthik Chandrasekar, Synapses has a fund of $125 million. It helps bridge the gap between innovative STEM ideas and their commercialization by supporting startups that address important climate and health challenges.

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