Biography of Abhay Sharma: Founder & CEO of Kyari Innovations- Entrepreneur
Biography of Abhay Sharma:
Abhay Sharma, a passionate innovator and entrepreneur,
co-founded Kyari Innovations in 2017, alongside his sibling Smratika Sharma.
Based in Ghaziabad, the company focuses on creating groundbreaking tech
products designed for two main areas: wildlife protection and adventure safety.
With a deep passion for both nature and technology, Kyari Innovations strives
to bridge the gap between human existence and wildlife by developing products
that enhance safety while preserving the natural world.
The Origin of Kyari's Vision
Kyari Innovations began with a deep-rooted belief in the
inseparability of humans and nature. The founders, inspired by their
experiences in the foothills of the Himalayas and near the Ganges, wanted to
create products that would help people connect with nature while ensuring their
safety. Kyari’s first products were designed to tackle the increasing conflicts
between humans and wildlife, with the ultimate goal of creating a harmonious
balance between the two.
Entering the World of Wildlife Tech
The first major product from Kyari Innovations, ANIDERS
(Animal Intrusion Detection and Repellent System), was born out of the
founders' concern for the safety of farmers and wildlife alike. This device is
designed to prevent crop raids by animals and to protect farms from wildlife
intrusions. By scaring animals away without harming them, ANIDERS helps
maintain a peaceful coexistence between wildlife and human agriculture, thus
addressing a critical challenge in wildlife management.
Collaboration with Global Conservation Efforts
Kyari’s work on ANIDERS received a significant boost when it
was tested and validated with the support of WWF. The product passed rigorous
tests and has proven effective in real-world scenarios. Today, ANIDERS is used
by farmers across India and has been installed in several international
locations, including Botswana, Malaysia, and Bhutan. The founders' aim is to
make this solution accessible to third-world countries, where human-wildlife
conflict is more prevalent.
Awards and Recognition
Abhay Sharma’s dedication to solving real-world problems did
not go unnoticed. In 2017, he was awarded the prestigious National Budding
Innovator Award for his work on ANIDERS. This recognition helped Kyari
Innovations gain credibility and positioned them as leaders in the field of
wildlife tech. The company was also recognized by the National Research
Development Corporation (NRDC) and accredited by the Indian government’s ICAR.
Expanding into Adventure Safety
As Kyari Innovations continued to grow, the company expanded
its focus to include products for adventure enthusiasts. They introduced the
Smart Stick, a personal protection gadget designed specifically for forest
rangers and wildlife officers who face the daily risk of encounters with
dangerous animals like tigers, elephants, and bears. This product added a new
dimension to the company’s mission of safety, ensuring that those who work in
remote and hazardous environments are better protected.
Introducing the Smart Stick
Kyari’s Smart Stick is not just an ordinary walking
stick—it’s a fully equipped, tech-enabled safety tool. The device includes LED
lights for visibility, a panic alarm for emergencies, a power bank for charging
devices on the go, and an electrical probe (taser) with a 10,000-volt charge.
This charge is enough to temporarily immobilize an attacker, providing critical
protection during wildlife encounters. The Smart Stick’s long battery life of
up to 720 hours makes it a reliable companion for those in the field.
Gaining Traction in the Market
The Smart Stick was well received, particularly by forest
rangers, with around 2,000 forest guards already using it in their daily work.
Kyari has also been able to expand the availability of the Smart Stick,
offering different models with prices ranging from $10,000 to $17,500. Along
with the Smart Stick, Kyari offers additional accessories, such as a stand that
can double as an axe or shovel and mounting options for various environments.
Biography of Abhay Sharma: Founder & CEO of Kyari Innovations- Entrepreneur/ prevent wildlife intrusions/age/net worth/investor/startup/Abhay Sharma
Focus on Global Expansion
Kyari Innovations has made significant strides in exporting
their products internationally. The ANIDERS system, which helps prevent crop
raids and protects wildlife, has been deployed in forest departments across 20
Indian states and several countries abroad. The company’s vision is to make
these innovative solutions accessible globally, especially in countries that
are facing high rates of wildlife conflicts and the need for more advanced
safety technologies.
Shark Tank Appearance and Investment
Kyari Innovations gained national recognition when it
appeared on the popular show Shark Tank India. During the pitch, Abhay Sharma
shared a personal story about a close encounter with a tiger, illustrating the
real-life dangers that the Smart Stick is designed to address. The sharks were
impressed with the product and Kyari’s potential, leading to multiple
investment offers. Ultimately, Kyari secured ₹51 lakh for 6% equity, valuing
the company at ₹8.5 crore.
A Partnership with
Nature Conservation Organizations
Kyari Innovations has successfully partnered with some of
the world’s most influential conservation organizations, including the
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the United Nations
Development Program (UNDP), and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). These
collaborations have helped Kyari enhance its products, particularly in ensuring
that their devices are effective and safe for both humans and animals. The
company’s strong ties to conservation groups underscore its commitment to
protecting wildlife and supporting those who work to do the same.
The Core Mission of Kyari Innovations
Kyari Innovations is deeply committed to the idea that human
beings should coexist peacefully with nature. Whether it's providing farmers
with tools to protect their crops or ensuring that forest rangers can perform
their duties safely, the company’s mission is rooted in the belief that both
humans and animals deserve protection. Kyari’s products are designed to foster
harmony between human activities and wildlife conservation, with an emphasis on
sustainability and safety.
Overcoming Challenges
and Innovation
One of Kyari’s biggest challenges was developing technology
that could both protect people and safeguard wildlife. The Smart Stick and
ANIDERS represent the company’s innovative solutions to complex problems. Abhay
and his team understood that creating devices that would protect both humans
and animals required a delicate balance, and their products reflect this
thoughtful approach.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Kyari Innovations
Looking to the future, Kyari Innovations aims to continue
disrupting the tech market with new products that enhance the safety of
adventure enthusiasts and wildlife protectors. The company is exploring new
markets for both ANIDERS and the Smart Stick, hoping to expand their reach and
impact. With their innovative approach, Kyari is set to lead the way in both
adventure safety and wildlife conservation, ensuring that technology plays a
vital role in preserving our natural world.
Conclusion: An Ongoing Commitment to Innovation and Safety
Kyari Innovations is an example of how technology can be
harnessed to solve critical global issues, from wildlife protection to
adventure safety. Abhay Sharma’s vision of making the world a safer place for
both people and animals continues to drive the company’s success. With a focus
on innovation, sustainability, and global expansion, Kyari Innovations is
poised to make a lasting impact on the world.
A timeline for Abhay Sharma and Kyari Innovations:
2017: Co-founded Kyari Innovations with Smratika Sharma.
2017: Kyari’s first product, ANIDERS, launched to prevent
wildlife intrusions.
2017: Abhay awarded National Budding Innovator Award for
ANIDERS.
2017-2018: ANIDERS tested and validated with WWF; deployed
in India and internationally.
2018: Kyari Innovations expanded into adventure safety with
the Smart Stick.
2020: Smart Stick launched, providing tech-enabled safety
for forest rangers.
2021: Kyari’s Smart Stick gained traction, used by 2,000
forest guards.
2022: Kyari appeared on Shark Tank India, securing ₹51 lakh
investment.
2024: Expanded global reach, with ANIDERS deployed across 20
Indian states and abroad.
Ongoing: Continues innovation and partnerships with
conservation organizations like WWF and IUCN.
