Biography of Sulajja Firodia Motwani: Founder & CEO of Kinetic Green Energy & Power Solutions Limited
Biography of Sulajja Firodia Motwani:
Sulajja Firodia Motwani, born on August 26, 1970, is a
prominent Indian entrepreneur known for her groundbreaking work in the
automotive and green energy sectors. As the Vice-Chairperson of Kinetic
Engineering Limited and the founder and CEO of Kinetic Green Energy & Power
Solutions Limited, Sulajja has been instrumental in driving the company's expansion
into new areas. Her leadership has been key in transforming Kinetic from a
traditional two-wheeler manufacturer into a dynamic player in automotive systems
and green energy solutions.
Educational Foundation and Academic Excellence
Sulajja's educational journey reflects her dedication and
intellectual prowess. She graduated with a degree in Commerce from Brihan
Maharashtra College of Commerce, Pune University, in 1990, and went on to earn
an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. Throughout her academic
career, she was a top performer, consistently ranking among the best students.
Her impressive achievements included topping the state in her Higher Secondary
Certificate (HSC) examinations and excelling in the Secondary School
Certificate (SSC) exams.
A Legacy of Innovation and Leadership
Sulajja's family background played a significant role in
shaping her career. She is the granddaughter of H. K. Firodia, the founder of
Kinetic Engineering, and the daughter of Arun Firodia, Chairman of the Arun
Firodia Group. This legacy of innovation and leadership provided Sulajja with a
strong foundation and inspiration for her own entrepreneurial journey. Her
family's influence is evident in her approach to business and her commitment to
driving progress in the automotive and green energy sectors.
Passion for Fitness and Adventure
Outside her professional endeavors, Sulajja is known for her
commitment to fitness and adventure. She is an avid marathon runner and has a
keen interest in badminton. Her enthusiasm for adventure sports is also
notable, with interests including skiing, skydiving, and scuba diving. These
activities reflect her dynamic personality and her drive to embrace new
challenges both personally and professionally.
Strategic Leadership in Green Energy
Sulajja has been a driving force behind the Kinetic Group's
strategic shift towards green energy. She recently spearheaded a joint venture
with Tonino Lamborghini, SpA, to develop electric and solar-powered golf carts and
tourism vehicles. This collaboration aims to blend global design and technology
with local manufacturing, positioning Kinetic as a leader in sustainable
transportation solutions. This initiative underscores her vision for a greener
future and her ability to forge impactful global partnerships.
Experience and Impact at Kinetic Engineering
In her role as Vice-Chairperson of Kinetic Engineering
Limited, Sulajja oversees the group's diverse business interests, including
automobile manufacturing, powertrain systems, green energy, multilevel parking
solutions, and elevators and escalators. Her leadership has been pivotal in
shaping the company's strategy and growth. The Kinetic Group's partnerships
with major industry players such as Hyundai, Lamborghini, and Magna highlight
her effectiveness in building strategic alliances and driving innovation.
Early Career Achievements
Before joining Kinetic, Sulajja gained valuable experience
working with BARRA International, an investment analytics firm based in California.
During her four-year tenure, she played a significant role in setting up
operations and developing strategies for the firm. This experience provided her
with a solid understanding of business analytics and strategic planning, which
she later applied to her work with Kinetic Motor Company and Kinetic Green
Energy.
Transforming Kinetic Motor Company
Sulajja's contributions to Kinetic Motor Company have been
substantial. She played a key role in establishing and developing the company's
operations in India, including designing and implementing new business
strategies. Her efforts were crucial in positioning Kinetic Motor Company as a
competitive player in the automotive industry. Her strategic vision and
leadership were instrumental in the company's success.
Entrepreneurial Spirit and Leadership
As the founder and CEO of Kinetic Green Energy & Power
Solutions, Sulajja has demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit and leadership.
Her role involves driving the company's growth and innovation in the green energy
sector. By focusing on electric vehicles and sustainable transportation
solutions, she is helping to shape the future of the automotive industry and
promote environmental sustainability.
Founding Kinetic Green
In 2014, Sulajja launched Kinetic Green Energy & Power
Solutions with a bold vision: to champion the future of electric vehicles. At a
time when the electric vehicle industry was in its infancy, with limited
success in mass marketing and no clear government policies, Sulajja’s
conviction in the potential of electric vehicles drove her to establish a new
venture from scratch. Despite facing challenges such as high costs and low
customer adoption, she set out with a small team of two to build a focused business
in this emerging field.
Biography of Sulajja Firodia Motwani: Founder & CEO of Kinetic Green Energy& Power Solutions Limited/Entrepreneur/Success story of Sulajja Motwani
Building Strategic Partnerships
A key part of Sulajja’s strategy was forging partnerships
with leading research institutions. She collaborated with CSIR and its labs,
CMERI and CECRI, to develop advanced electric vehicle technology. Establishing
a DSIR Certified R&D center for electric vehicles, Sulajja assembled a team
of dedicated professionals who shared her passion for e-mobility. Her proactive
involvement in shaping government policies further supported the growth of the
electric vehicle sector in India.
Affordable Electric Autos
Sulajja set an ambitious target to develop an electric auto
priced at Rs. 1 lakh (plus battery), aiming to make it more affordable than
conventional autos and thus attract customers without relying on subsidies. The
successful development of this vehicle involved a comprehensive focus on
technology, supply chain optimization, team building, and setting up a
dealership network and low-cost manufacturing base.
Innovative Marketing and Social Impact
To promote electric vehicle adoption, Sulajja devised an
innovative marketing strategy. She positioned e-autos as not only
environmentally friendly but also as attractive means of self-employment.
Collaborating with state governments, welfare schemes, and NGOs, she championed
the use of e-autos for poverty alleviation and self-employment. This approach
led to a significant contract with the UP Government, providing over 8,000
e-autos to cycle-rickshaw pullers, significantly improving their livelihoods
and social status.
Empowering Women and Marginalized Communities
In addition, Sulajja’s initiatives extended to empowering
women through e-auto ownership. Partnering with NGOs and banks, she facilitated
the delivery of e-autos to women in UP, Delhi, and Chhattisgarh, promoting
self-empowerment and economic independence. Her collaboration with “Chaupal”
and the SC/ST Corporation further demonstrated her commitment to uplifting
marginalized communities.
Company Growth and Future Plans
Under her leadership, Kinetic Green achieved remarkable
success, crossing a turnover of Rs. 110 crores in the 2016-17 fiscal year and
establishing itself as a leading seller of electric three-wheelers. With a
future target of Rs. 400 crores, the company continues to focus on expanding
its range of electric vehicles and bringing e-mobility to the masses.
Employment and Environmental Impact
Sulajja's efforts have not only advanced electric vehicle
technology but also created substantial employment opportunities. The company’s
direct employment of hundreds and indirect support for thousands through its
supply chain and dealerships exemplify her impact on both the economy and the
environment. The e-auto drivers benefit from dignified employment while contributing
to pollution reduction.
Global Expansion and Innovation
In alignment with the “Make in India” initiative, Sulajja
has recently partnered with Tonino Lamborghini, SpA, to introduce global design
and technology for electric and solar golf carts and tourism vehicles. These
products will be manufactured in India and marketed globally, further advancing
the country’s presence in the electric vehicle market.
Future Vision and Infrastructure Development
Looking ahead, Sulajja has entered partnerships with BPCL
and Ola Electric to establish battery swapping stations across Indian cities.
Her goal is to introduce 1,000,000 electric vehicles on Indian roads in the
coming years. Sulajja Firodia Motwani’s visionary leadership and relentless
pursuit of innovation have established her as a trailblazer in the electric
vehicle industry, turning her vision into reality and setting a benchmark for
the future.
Ongoing Legacy and Future Prospects
Sulajja Firodia Motwani continues to build on her family's
legacy of innovation and leadership. Her work with Kinetic Engineering and
Kinetic Green Energy reflects her commitment to advancing technology and
sustainability. As she drives the company's expansion into new areas and forges
global partnerships, Sulajja is ensuring that the Kinetic Group remains at the
forefront of industry developments, making a lasting impact on both the
automotive and green energy sectors.
National and Regional Influence
Sulajja’s influence extends to the national level through
her membership on the National Executive Committee of CII (Confederation of
Indian Industry) and her leadership role as National Chairperson of the FICCI
Young Leaders Forum. These positions enable her to contribute to high-level
policy discussions and strategic decisions that impact India’s industrial and
economic landscape.
Scientific and Research Contributions
Sulajja’s contributions to science and research are
evidenced by her membership on the prestigious Governing Body of CSIR (Council
of Scientific and Industrial Research, India) and the CSIR Society, the highest
science and research development body chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
These roles signify her influence in promoting scientific research and
innovation in India.
Recognition and Awards
Sulajja Firodia Motwani’s remarkable achievements have
earned her numerous accolades and recognition. She was honored as a “Young
Global Leader” by the World Economic Forum and recognized as a Global Leader
for Tomorrow. Her contributions have also been highlighted by India Today,
Fortune India, Business Today, and other leading platforms.
Celebrated Excellence and Influence
Her outstanding contributions have been celebrated with
awards such as the Society Young Achiever’s Award for Business, Young Super
Achiever Award by Business Today, MTV Style-icon Award, and the “India's Most
Powerful Women” accolade by Business Today. Sulajja was also named the Business
Woman of the Decade by the Globe and received the Outlook Business’ Women of
Worth (WOW) 2019 Award, and Zee’s Dare to Dream Award for excellence as a Woman
Entrepreneur, cementing her status as a leading figure in both industry and
society.
A summary with dates and one-line explanations:
August 26, 1970: Birthdate of Sulajja Firodia Motwani.
1990: Graduated with a degree in Commerce from Brihan
Maharashtra College of Commerce, Pune University.
1992: Earned an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University.
2014: Founded Kinetic Green Energy & Power Solutions
Limited.
2015: Launched affordable electric autos to promote
e-mobility.
2016-17: Kinetic Green achieved a turnover of Rs. 110
crores.
2019: Received the Outlook Business Women of Worth (WOW)
Award.
2020: Entered a partnership with Tonino Lamborghini to
develop electric and solar-powered vehicles.
2024: Plans to introduce 1,000,000 electric vehicles and establish battery swapping stations
