Climate-focused startups are gaining momentum in the region but face systemic challenges that hinder large-scale impact. Despite strong entrepreneurial energy and innovation in sectors like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and waste management, these startups often struggle with limited financing, policy uncertainty, and fragmented infrastructure. Green startups must prioritize scalability, affordability, and partnerships with governments and large corporations. Access to climate finance, integration with national sustainability goals, and adoption of region-specific solutions are key to long-term success. It also calls for policy frameworks that de-risk investment and for startups to build business models balancing profit with measurable environmental and social outcomes. South Asia’s green transition depends not just on innovation, but on collaborative ecosystems that align entrepreneurship, policy, and finance for sustainable growth.

This article pays tribute to ecologist Dr Madhav Gadgil, whose pioneering work reshaped India’s approach to environmental conservation. Known for leading the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, Gadgil championed community participation, transparency, and sustainable development in environmental governance. His philosophy emphasised empowering local communities to protect biodiversity rather than imposing top-down regulations. The article highlights how his ideas continue to inspire eco-sensitive planning, grassroots conservation, and environmental justice across India, making him a central figure in people-led ecological stewardship.

This article celebrates individuals and communities driving impactful environmental restoration across the country. It highlights grassroots leaders revitalizing rivers, lakes, forests, and farmlands through water conservation, reforestation, soil regeneration, and waste management initiatives. From farmers reviving barren land to innovators building eco-friendly water systems, these changemakers demonstrate how local action can yield large-scale ecological recovery. The article underscores that India’s sustainability future lies in community-led, nature-based solutions that restore ecosystems while supporting livelihoods.

Ganesha Ecosphere is transforming India’s textile sector through large-scale recycling and circular economy practices. As one of the country’s pioneers in rPET (recycled polyester fiber and yarn) production, the company recycles billions of PET bottles annually into fibers used in apparel, furnishings, and technical textiles. Its operations combine advanced recycling technology, supply chain transparency, and sustainable product innovation, positioning it as a global example of textile circularity. The article underscores Ganesha’s vision to reduce plastic waste, conserve resources, and make sustainable fashion mainstream in India..

India’s construction sector is undergoing a major shift driven by digital innovation, green practices, and large-scale infrastructure growth. It highlights the adoption of technologies like BIM, AI, drones, and 3D printing to improve efficiency, safety, and project transparency. Sustainability is becoming central, with green building materials, renewable energy integration, and waste reduction shaping new construction norms. The industry’s expansion is fueled by government initiatives like Gati Shakti and Smart Cities Mission, which promote resilient and eco-friendly infrastructure. The article concludes that India’s construction future lies in balancing rapid urbanization with environmental responsibility, supported by collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers, and technology providers.

Businesses can make sustainability a core part of their digital and operational strategy rather than a symbolic goal. By 2026, enterprises must align sustainability with measurable outcomes, integrating it into procurement, IT infrastructure, and data management. Key priorities include reducing carbon footprints through cloud optimization, energy-efficient data centers, and circular IT practices such as hardware reuse and responsible e-waste management. The article also highlights the role of AI-driven analytics and transparent reporting in tracking progress toward ESG targets. Ultimately, it argues that sustainable transformation will only succeed when leadership accountability, cross-department collaboration, and long-term investment replace short-term greenwashing efforts.