How a Delhi startup is turning everyday ACs into affordable air purifiers
Delhi-based Airth has built patented filters that convert air conditioners into efficient purifiers.
Air pollution has become a persistent problem in Indian cities, and many can’t afford the additional expense of a costly air purifier. But what if the same AC that cools our rooms could also purify the air we breathe? That’s what pushed Ravi Kaushik, a Delhi-based aerosol scientist, to start a startup that turns air conditioners into affordable air purifiers.
“I’ve worked on every air purification technology out there, even those still in development,” says Kaushik, who has studied aerosol science and collaborated with experts from IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, IISc Bangalore, and national labs. “My goal is to make clean air affordable for everyone,” he tells YourStory.
Airth’s journey began in 2020 when Kaushik, as an entrepreneur-in-residence at Social Alpha, an incubator and innovation platform, started developing affordable air purification tech. The first product line, anti-microbial air purifiers, was launched during the pandemic and tested against the COVID-19 virus in biosafety labs, including CSIR-IMTech.
Kaushik soon realised that traditional purifiers were costly, bulky, and rarely used. “People spend Rs 20,000 on a purifier, but it just sits in a corner,” he says. So he decided to build purification into air conditioners—something people use daily.
Turning ACs into clean air systems
The startup began commercialising in 2023 with its AC air purifier, FiltRIX, that comes as a simple attachment, converting any air conditioner—split, window, or commercial—into a high-efficiency purifier.
FiltRIX works on a proprietary three-layer filter technology. With its “partial coverage” design, the device also helps solve the technical air conditioning issue of pressure drop, when airflow slows down due to dense filters, reducing both cooling and air purification efficiency.
“Our 3D filters are inspired by human lungs,” says Kaushik. “They offer a large surface area, trap more dust, and deliver up to 90% purification within one to two hours.”
The filters are tested and certified by IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, and Bureau of Energy Efficiency labs. “After three months, you’ll actually notice better airflow and even 1% lower energy use with Airth installed,” says Kaushik. Installation is DIY, with no technician needed.
Accessible, affordable, and scalable
The startup follows a hybrid B2B and B2C model. Its first institutional customers included the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Stock Holding Corporation of India. Today, the startup has around 100 active B2B clients, including The Beacon School, Matrix Partners, Dell, DLF Camellias, and more than 60,000 retail users across India.
Airth sells directly to consumers and businesses through its website and major ecommerce platforms, including Amazon, Tata 1mg, Flipkart, with PharmEasy next in line.
Each AC purifier costs around Rs 2,500, while replacement filters (needed every 8–12 months) are priced at Rs 1,200. The second product line, air quality monitors, ranges from Rs 500 to Rs 5,000. “Everything is built for affordability and ease,” says Kaushik. “There’s no service needed; users can install and replace it themselves.”
Building in India
The 15-member Airth team operates from Delhi, with its assembly and warehouse also based in the city. The startup manufactures its air purifiers in-house, while the air quality monitors are outsourced to specialised vendors. Coating and final fitting are handled internally.
So far, Airth has raised Rs 3.3 crore from friends, family, Whiteboard Capital, SIRMA, and angel investors. The startup earned Rs 6 crore in FY24 and aims to double the revenue in FY26 as it looks for another funding round for global expansion.
Competing with giants
Kaushik admits the air purifier market is crowded with big names like Dyson, Sharp, and Xiaomi. However, he says, “They sell bulky, expensive machines. We’re not selling another device, we’re changing how people think about clean air.”
Airth faced several challenges along the way. “Air pollution is invisible, so people don’t realise how harmful it is,” the entrepreneur says. With limited funds and no sales experience, convincing people to buy a product they weren’t searching for was tough. “The biggest challenge is awareness. People spend on medicines, not on prevention,” he says. “But with 50,000 customers now, we know we’re moving in the right direction.”
The road ahead
Next, Airth is making air quality smart and automatic. The team is developing an AI-powered air quality monitor that adjusts the AC’s fan speed based on pollution levels, saving both power and cost. Currently under R&D, the product marks Airth’s entry into intelligent climate control and is set to launch next month.
Airth is now exploring global markets, starting with the Middle East and Australia, and Kaushik was recently part of an Indian startup delegation to GITEX Dubai. “We’ve spent years on research, and now the world is ready for this,” he says.
According to the Expert Market Research report, India's air purifier market is projected to reach Rs 3,520 crore by 2034, with annual sales of around 500,000 units. “Our aim isn’t just to compete but to expand the market and make clean air affordable for all,” Kaushik says.