The Green Shift: Why Indian startups can’t afford to sit on the sidelines

In the heart of India’s booming startup ecosystem–home to over 100,000 registered startups and around 113 unicorns–lies an untold story. A quiet yet profound shift towards sustainability is taking root, promising to redefine the very essence of entrepreneurial success.

While headlines trumpet unicorn valuations and funding rounds, a more significant transformation is underway. It’s a revolution not measured in billions of dollars, but in the foresight of entrepreneurs who understand that true innovation must harmonise with the planet’s wellbeing.

This isn’t about superficial changes or quick fixes. It’s about reimagining the very DNA of business in a world teetering on the brink of climate crisis. The startups leading this charge aren’t waiting for policy mandates or consumer pressure. They recognise that sustainability isn’t a choice–it’s the only viable path forward.

The urgency of this shift cannot be overstated.

As India cements its position as the world’s third-largest startup hub, it has a unique opportunity and responsibility–to pioneer a new model of growth. One that doesn’t just create economic value, but regenerates our depleted natural capital. The alternative–continuing down the path of resource-intensive, high-emission growth–is a luxury we can no longer afford.

But let’s be clear: this isn’t about sacrifice or settling for less. The most exciting aspect of this green revolution is its potential to unlock unprecedented innovation and value creation. When startups view sustainability not as a constraint but as a catalyst for creativity, magic happens. We’re seeing this in the emergence of circular business models that turn waste streams into profit centers, in breakthrough clean technologies that outperform their polluting predecessors, and in data-driven solutions that optimise resource use across entire industries.

According to a report by India’s central bank, the country will spend an estimated $1.05 trillion by 2030 to adapt its various industries to be compliant with climate change norms. But more compelling than the figures is the mindset shift this represents–a recognition that our greatest challenges are also our biggest business opportunities.

Energy efficiency: beyond the basics

The potential for energy savings in small businesses and startups is significant, but the real opportunity lies in fundamentally rethinking energy use. These enterprises should aim for comprehensive energy transformation through thorough energy audits, smart management systems, redesigned production processes, and cultivating an energy-conscious culture. This holistic approach can drive both environmental impact and business value, giving young companies a competitive edge in an increasingly sustainability-focused market.

Water: the next frontier for innovation

According to the World Economic Forum, nearly 70% of India’s water is contaminated, and by 2030, India’s water demand is projected to be double the amount available. This looming crisis demands innovative solutions from the business sector. Small businesses and startups can lead by implementing water-efficient technologies, developing closed-loop water recycling systems, and leveraging IoT for real-time monitoring. These approaches not only conserve water but also position companies as pioneers in resource management.

Circular Economy: turning waste into wealth

The circular economy presents a paradigm shift in how businesses operate. For startups, this means rethinking product design, supply chains, and business models. By conducting comprehensive waste audits, redesigning products for circularity, and creating take-back programs, small businesses can unlock new revenue streams while significantly reducing their environmental footprint. Collaboration within local ecosystems can amplify these efforts, creating symbiotic relationships where one company’s waste becomes another’s raw material.

Overcoming challenges and moving forward

The path to sustainability is fraught with challenges, particularly for small businesses with limited resources. However, a growing ecosystem of support is emerging. Green financing options from institutions like SIDBI are becoming more accessible. Government initiatives such as the Technology and Quality Upgradation Support to MSMEs (TEQUP) scheme offer crucial support for adopting energy-efficient technologies. Programs like the MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification provide frameworks for companies to assess and improve their sustainability practices.

Moreover, collaboration with academic institutions can provide access to cutting-edge research and development support. Joining green business networks can offer valuable knowledge sharing and collective advocacy opportunities. Investing in upskilling employees in sustainable practices is not just an environmental imperative but a competitive necessity in an evolving job market.

The path forward requires a fundamental shift in how we measure success and value creation. Short-term profits can no longer come at the expense of long-term sustainability. Every startup, regardless of sector, must integrate environmental considerations into its core strategy. This isn’t about having a CSR initiative or a sustainability report - it’s about building businesses that are inherently regenerative.

For India’s startup ecosystem, this green revolution represents more than an opportunity - it’s an imperative. As a nation on the front lines of climate change, with a young population hungry for progress, we have both the urgency and the dynamism to lead the way. The startups that embrace this challenge won’t just be building successful businesses–they’ll be crafting the blueprint for a sustainable, prosperous future.

The time for incremental change has passed. What we need now is bold, systemic innovation that reimagines entire industries and value chains. This is the gauntlet thrown down to India’s entrepreneurs. Those who rise to meet it will not only secure their own success but also chart the course for the nation’s sustainable growth.

In the end, this isn’t just about building green businesses. It’s about redefining what business means in the 21st century. It’s about creating enterprises that don’t just take from the world, but actively work to restore and regenerate it. This is the new frontier of innovation, and India’s startups are uniquely positioned to lead the charge.

The question isn’t whether we can afford to make this transition. It’s whether we can afford not to. The future of Indian entrepreneurship–and indeed, the future of our planet–depends on how we answer this call. As India’s startup ecosystem continues to grow, let it be known not just for its unicorns, but for its green pioneers who dared to reimagine business as a force for good.

(Raaja Kanwar is the Chairman and Managing Director of Apollo International Group, a conglomerate with diverse operations in green energy, logistics, and supply chain.)