About Us
AIC-Synapses previously AIC-Sangam is the incubation arm of 'Synapses'. It is India's first dedicated CleanTech incubator supporting STEM innovations that improve access to sustainable energy and resource productivity solutions for the underserved in India leading to inclusive development and creation of communities that are resilient to climate change.
We are thesis-driven organization
We study the sector - its players, problems and customers, before we venture into incubating or accelerating any start-up in that sector. We have seen, from the GALI research on incubator effectiveness, that cohort quality is a critical driver of success. We view pipeline development as an active search process rather than a passive endeavor in which we wait to receive applications. This approach keeps us focused and helps us in building better networks to find relevant start-ups that fit our program thesis.
Focus Areas
Technologies that accelerate decarbonisation of energy
Fit-for-purpose energy storage & high efficiency components
Electric, alternative fuel & shared transport solution
Industrial heat & power efficiencies & recycling
Alternative low-carbon materials & reduction in fossil based product use
Low cost & energy efficient refrigeration technologies
Climate resilient agriculture, agro-forestry & watershed management
Improve soil carbon & soil microbiome while minimising soil erosion
Farm-positive agricultural supply chains, residue & waste management
Generate opportunities for better livelihoods and wealth creation
Future-proof technology development & adoption in SMEs
Resilient communities that preserve local culture & biodiversity
Founder's Message
Our focus at AIC-Sangam is on creating value for our investors and portfolio through mentorship and stewardship while protecting people and planet.
​
"We are not trading profitability for sustainability"
​
Karthik Chandrasekar
Founder & Director
Our Advisors
Advisor
Ruchira Shukla
Ruchira has been the Regional Lead for IFC's Disruptive Technologies and Venture Capital Funds business in South Asia overseeing investments in technology startups across stages, investments in VC Funds and initiatives to support and grow the venture capital ecosystem in South Asia.
​Independent Director
Anuradha Bhavnani
Annuradha has a wide range of experience with Start-up's, Social Enterprise and Sustainability. She is Thought leader, Angel investor, Mentor, Board member and Advisor to many start-ups.
​Independent Director
Aparna Khandelwal
Aparna is a seasoned sustainability professional with experience across multiple domains of sustainability including Renewable Energy, Energy and Water Efficiency.
Incubation Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
We, at AIC Sangam, study the sector - its players, problems and customers, before we venture into incubating or accelerating any start-up in that sector. We are proud to be a unique place that places start-ups at the center of all its projects and our multi background team is always willing to offer them all the services they need to develop.
Sreyashee Das
Chief Executive Officer
Sreyashee has a background in Electrical Engineering and Energy Management. She has more than 10 years of experience and primarily worked in the Cleantech space to mentor startups and help them in scaling up. Previously worked with cKinetics, Development Alternatives and Hero Future Energies.
Rahul Kumar
Accounts & Finance Manager
Leading Accounts and Financial Management at AIC Sangam
Anish Tujeja
Deputy Manager- Programs & Operations
Anish assists Incubation work at AIC Sangam along with building pipeline of start-ups for different programs under the AIC. He shortlists and conduct due diligence of startups selected under the Seed Fund Scheme.
Shikhita Gupta
Deputy Manager- Climate Communications
Masters in Climate Science and Policy, a passionate Climate science enthusiast and a dedicated researcher. She previously worked with TERI as Student Researcher and as a freelance content writer and blogger.
Beyond Incubation
At AIC Sangam we believe that incubation is just the start of a long journey towards creating sustaiable startups to fight climate change. To that vision, we have our sister companies to support startups on this journey catering to what they need, be it legal services or capital.
Sangam Ventures is a seed and early stage venture fund that invests to improve access to sustainable energy and resource productivity solutions for the underserved in India that can lead to inclusive development and creation of communities that are resilient to climate change.
