Biography of Ankit Mathur: Co-founder of Greenway Grameen Infra & OffsetFarm
Story of Ankit Mathur: A Visionary in Sustainable Technology
Early Inspiration and Education
Ankit Mathur’s journey into technology and entrepreneurship
began with his academic pursuits in engineering and management. He graduated
with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Delhi College of
Engineering in 2006. This foundation in engineering sparked his curiosity in
technological innovations and their potential to impact everyday life. Pursuing
his passion further, Ankit earned a Post Graduate Program (PGP) in General
Management from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A) in 2008.
His education equipped him with both technical skills and a strategic outlook,
essential for his future ventures.
Previous Experience
Before his current roles, Ankit co-founded Greenway
Ecodevelopment in August 2008. During his time with Greenway Ecodevelopment,
which lasted until December 2010, he worked on helping organizations manage
their carbon initiatives in innovative ways. His efforts were centered on
creating value from carbon management practices, which positioned the company
as a key player in environmental sustainability.
The Birth of Greenway Appliances
In 2011, Ankit co-founded Greenway Grameen Infra Pvt Ltd
with the mission to provide high-performance, affordable products to rural
communities. The vision behind Greenway was clear: to bridge the gap between
modern technology and rural needs. The company aimed to replace traditional,
inefficient stoves with more advanced and environmentally friendly
alternatives. Greenway’s flagship product, the Greenway Smart Stove, epitomized
this vision. It was designed to be a cleaner, more efficient cooking solution, significantly
reducing fuel consumption and harmful smoke.
Innovative Beginnings
The journey of Greenway began with a simple yet
transformative idea: to improve the cooking experience in rural areas. The
Greenway Smart Stove was a breakthrough product that reduced fuel use by 65%
and emitted 70% less smoke compared to traditional mud stoves. This innovation
was not only about technological advancement but also about improving the
quality of life for rural households. Ankit and his team focused on user-driven
co-creation, ensuring that the product met the actual needs and preferences of
the users.
Biography of Ankit Mathur: Co-founder of Greenway Grameen Infra & OffsetFarm and ndiaP2P/Entrepreneur/Success story ofAnkit Mathur/Age./Net worth/
Awards and Recognition
Greenway’s impact did not go unnoticed. In 2011, Ankit was
honored with the Businessworld Young Entrepreneur Award, a recognition of his innovative
approach and entrepreneurial spirit. The company’s groundbreaking work in the
field of clean cookstoves was further validated when it won the Intel Global
Challenge in 2012. These accolades highlighted Greenway’s role in driving
technological change and improving rural livelihoods.
From Concept to Market
The process of bringing Greenway’s products to market
involved rigorous planning and execution. As the Chief Technology Officer,
Ankit was responsible for overseeing product development from its conceptual
stages to final manufacturing. This included everything from design and focus
group testing to cost analysis and process optimization. Ankit’s role was
crucial in ensuring that Greenway’s products were not only technologically
advanced but also cost-effective and accessible to the target market.
Expansion and Growth
By 2017, Greenway had expanded its product portfolio and
manufacturing capabilities significantly. The company introduced new products,
including solar-powered lamps and satellite dishes, broadening its impact on
rural communities. The establishment of India’s largest biomass stove
manufacturing plant was a major milestone, enabling Greenway to scale its
operations and reach a larger audience. The factory’s capacity to produce over
500,000 stoves annually underscored the company’s commitment to meeting the
growing demand for clean cooking solutions.
Challenges and Adaptations
Greenway’s journey was not without challenges. The initial
version of the Smart Stove faced issues when piloted in Wardha, Maharashtra,
due to its increased height, which affected usability. Despite these setbacks,
Ankit and his team used feedback to make necessary adjustments. This iterative
process of refinement and adaptation was critical to improving the product and
ensuring its acceptance in the market.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Greenway’s commitment to sustainability was reflected in its
environmental impact. The Smart Stove not only improved health by reducing
smoke but also contributed to environmental conservation. By reducing
deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions, Greenway’s stoves played a role in
mitigating climate change. The company’s efforts were quantified by the
reduction of approximately 200,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, showcasing
its dedication to environmental responsibility.
Post-Ashden Award Achievements
After winning the Ashden Award in 2014, Greenway continued
to grow and innovate. The company set up a state-of-the-art factory, hired a
skilled workforce, and raised equity capital to further its mission. Ankit’s
leadership and vision were instrumental in expanding Greenway’s reach across
India, from the northern regions of Jammu and Kashmir to the southern tip of
Tamil Nadu. This expansion demonstrated Greenway’s ability to scale its
operations and impact more communities.
New Product Developments
In addition to cookstoves, Greenway introduced new products
such as the Greenway FreeTV, which offered free satellite television channels.
This product aimed to provide educational and entertainment content to rural
areas, complementing the company’s existing portfolio. Collaborations with
distributors and mini-grid players facilitated the distribution of these
products, further extending Greenway’s reach and impact.
Commitment to Clean Energy
Ankit Mathur’s commitment to clean energy is evident in his
focus on addressing the needs of women and girls in rural areas. Access to
clean energy has significant implications for their health, security, and
opportunities for economic advancement. By improving cooking technologies and
reducing the burden of fuel collection, Greenway contributes to the overall
well-being and empowerment of women and girls, supporting their journey out of
poverty.
Strategic Growth and Future Plans
Greenway’s growth trajectory reflects its strategic approach
to product development and market expansion. The company’s ability to adapt to
challenges, innovate continuously, and scale operations has been key to its
success. Looking ahead, Greenway aims to further enhance its product offerings
and explore new markets, leveraging technology to address the needs of
underserved communities.
Recent Ventures and Roles
In addition to his work with Greenway Grameen Infra, Ankit
is a founding member and advisor at OffsetFarm, a role he has occupied since
January 2022. His involvement with OffsetFarm reflects his commitment to
addressing environmental challenges through effective solutions. Furthermore,
Ankit has been a founding member of IndiaP2P since July 2021, where he
contributes to initiatives aimed at fostering peer-to-peer interactions and
innovations in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Achievements and Awards
Greenway’s achievements are a testament to its impact and
innovation. The company has received numerous accolades, including the TIME
Magazine India Award for manufacturing and the Economic Times 40 under 40
recognition. These awards highlight Greenway’s role as a leader in sustainable
technology and its contributions to improving the quality of life for millions
of people.
Ankit’s Personal Interests
Outside of his professional achievements, Ankit Mathur has
personal interests that reflect his passion for nature and learning. He enjoys
bird watching and photography, capturing the diverse avian species of India.
Additionally, Ankit is an avid reader with a particular interest in the works
of George Orwell. These hobbies provide him with a well-rounded perspective and
inspire his approach to technology and entrepreneurship.
Legacy and Impact
Ankit Mathur’s journey from engineering student to
technology entrepreneur is marked by a commitment to solving real-world
problems through innovation. His work with Greenway Grameen Infra has had a
profound impact on rural communities, improving cooking practices and
contributing to environmental sustainability. Ankit’s legacy is one of visionary
leadership and dedication to creating life-enhancing solutions.
Future Directions
As Ankit continues to lead Greenway and explore new
ventures, his focus remains on leveraging technology to address critical
challenges. The success of Greenway’s products and initiatives underscores the
potential of innovative solutions to drive positive change. Ankit’s ongoing
efforts in technology and entrepreneurship will likely continue to shape the
future of sustainable development and improve the lives of many.
Timeline for Ankit Mathur's Story:
2006: Graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
from Delhi College of Engineering.
2008: Earned a Post Graduate Program in General Management
from IIM-A.
August 2008 - December 2010: Co-founded and worked with
Greenway Ecodevelopment on carbon management.
2011: Co-founded Greenway Grameen Infra Pvt Ltd; launched
the Greenway Smart Stove.
2011: Received the Businessworld Young Entrepreneur Award.
2012: Greenway won the Intel Global Challenge.
2014: Greenway won the Ashden Award.
2017: Expanded product portfolio and established India’s
largest biomass stove manufacturing plant.
January 2022: Became a founding member and advisor at
OffsetFarm.
July 2021: Became a founding member of IndiaP2P.
Recent Years: Greenway introduced new products like the
Greenway FreeTV and continued to expand its impact across India.
