Journey of Kunjpreet Arora: Founder and CEO of Angirus- Entrepreneur
Journey of Kunjpreet Arora:
Kunjpreet Arora is a trailblazing entrepreneur and
co-founder of Angirus®, a startup dedicated to creating eco-friendly
construction materials. Her journey began at the Indian Institute of Management
(IIM) Indore, where she enrolled in an executive program in Marketing and
Sales. This rigorous program enhanced her skills in strategic marketing and
consumer behavior, equipping her to drive impactful business growth. Balancing
her studies with professional responsibilities, Kunjpreet gained a
comprehensive understanding of market dynamics, preparing her for the
challenges ahead.
Early Inspirations and Education
Kunjpreet’s roots trace back to Udaipur, where she grew up
observing the alarming amount of plastic waste littering her city. This concern
ignited her passion for environmental sustainability. She pursued a degree in
civil engineering from Rajasthan Technical University, where her focus shifted
toward finding innovative solutions to the plastic waste problem. It was during
her studies that she began to research the possibility of upcycling single-use
plastics into construction materials, setting the stage for her future
endeavors.
The Birth of Angirus
The concept of Angirus was born from Kunjpreet's dedication
to combating plastic waste. In 2019, as she delved deeper into her research,
she connected with Lokesh Puri Goswami, who was simultaneously working on a
project involving marble slurry. Together, they discovered a groundbreaking
method to create construction bricks by melting plastic waste and mixing it
with marble slurry, resulting in a material that was stronger and more durable
than traditional bricks. Their partnership marked the beginning of a journey
toward sustainability.
Overcoming Challenges
As Kunjpreet and Lokesh developed their idea, the COVID-19
pandemic hit, forcing everyone into lockdown. Rather than viewing this as a
setback, the co-founders utilized this time for extensive secondary research to
gauge potential market demand for their innovative product. In 2021, they
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a local municipal corporation
in Udaipur, allowing them access to a recycling plant that processed
construction and demolition waste. This partnership enabled Angirus to
transform recycled materials into aggregates for their eco-friendly bricks.
Innovating for the Future
With the establishment of Angirus in October 2020, Kunjpreet
and Lokesh began developing machines capable of using various recycled
materials to manufacture bricks. They recognized the traditional brick kiln
industry’s significant carbon emissions and heavy reliance on manual labor. By
integrating modern technology into brick production, they aimed to reduce
environmental impact and improve efficiency, leading to a more sustainable construction
industry.
Launching the ‘Wricks’
Angirus introduced its innovative product, the 'Wricks',
made from 25-30% plastic waste and various industrial byproducts. These
eco-friendly bricks are not only waterproof but also offer exceptional
durability and thermal insulation. Lab tests revealed that Wricks have a
compressive strength of 12-18 megapascals (MPa), significantly outperforming
traditional clay bricks, which typically range from 4-6 MPa. This strength,
combined with their damp-proof properties, makes Wricks a superior alternative
for modern construction.
Journey of Kunjpreet Arora: Founder and CEO of Angirus- Entrepreneur/eco-friendly bricks/age/net worth/investor/Angirusstory/startup/Angirus
Meeting Market Demand
By the end of 2023, Angirus began piloting its products with
local contractors and builders. The response was overwhelmingly positive,
leading to an increase in orders. Their facility in Udaipur is capable of
producing 12,000 bricks per month, and the co-founders have secured INR 50 Lakh
worth of orders from prominent builders and architects across several cities,
including Chennai and Bengaluru. This traction signifies a growing market
acceptance of sustainable building materials.
Recognizing Innovation
Kunjpreet’s efforts have not gone unnoticed; she has
received numerous accolades for her contributions to sustainability and
innovation. As a participant in the beVisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship,
she continues to hone her skills in sustainable project development and
leadership. Additionally, her recognition as a Top Innovator by the World
Economic Forum's UpLink initiative highlights Angirus's potential to lead the
charge in sustainable construction practices.
Funding and Support
Angirus has attracted significant financial support,
securing INR 80 Lakh in grants and awards from various organizations, including
IIT Madras and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. This funding has been
crucial for scaling their operations and advancing their mission of upcycling
waste materials into functional building products. The co-founders’ vision to
bridge the gap between construction and automation using sustainable
technologies is steadily becoming a reality.
A Greener Tomorrow
Kunjpreet Arora’s journey embodies the spirit of innovation
and resilience in the face of environmental challenges. Through Angirus, she is
not only contributing to a greener tomorrow but also inspiring others to
consider sustainable alternatives in their industries. By transforming waste
into valuable building materials, Kunjpreet and her team are paving the way for
a more sustainable and eco-friendly future in construction, making a
significant impact on both the environment and the industry at large.
Timeline for Kunjpreet Arora's Journey with Angirus
2019 - Kunjpreet begins researching upcycling plastic waste
into construction materials.
2020 - Angirus is officially founded in October, focusing on
eco-friendly bricks.
2021 - MoU signed with Udaipur municipal corporation for
access to a recycling plant.
2021 - Extensive market research conducted during the
COVID-19 lockdown.
2022 - Development of machines for manufacturing
eco-friendly bricks begins.
2023 - Pilot programs launched with local contractors;
positive feedback leads to increased orders.
2023 - Angirus secures INR 50 Lakh in orders from builders
and architects.
2023 - Kunjpreet recognized as a Top Innovator by the World
Economic Forum.
2023 - Angirus attracts INR 80 Lakh in grants for scaling
operations.
2024 - Continued growth and recognition in sustainable
construction practices.
