Chakr Innovation, a homegrown cleantech startup from India, has raised $23 million in a fresh Series C funding round. The investment was led by growth-stage investors along with participation from existing backers who have supported the company since its early days. For Chakr, this funding marks a turning point as it prepares to expand beyond Indian borders and showcase its anti-pollution technologies on the global stage.
Founded in 2016 by graduates from IIT Delhi, Chakr Innovation was built on a simple but powerful idea—reduce harmful air pollution from everyday machines. Over the years, the company has developed solutions that capture emissions from diesel generators and turn them into safer by-products. Its flagship product, Chakr Shield, is now widely used and has gained recognition for cutting harmful emissions by more than 80%. With this new funding, the company is aiming to bring cleaner air not just to Indian cities but to many more parts of the world.
Backward Integration Strategy
Chakr Innovation has ambitious plans for the funds raised. A major portion will be directed towards expanding its manufacturing capacity so that it can meet the growing demand for clean technologies. The startup is also focused on international expansion, setting its sights on countries where diesel power and industrial emissions remain a challenge. At the same time, Chakr is increasing its investment in research and development, especially in the field of materials science. By creating stronger, more efficient, and eco-friendly materials, the company hopes to stay ahead in the race for sustainable technology.
Another important area of focus will be backward integration. This means that Chakr will start producing many of its components and raw materials in-house. By doing this, the company can lower costs, improve efficiency, and reduce its reliance on external suppliers. Such a move will not only give it better control over quality but also make its products more affordable and accessible for a wider range of customers.
Clean Technology at Work
Chakr Innovation’s work is already making a real impact. The company has installed more than 5,000 emission-control units across over 2,000 customer sites. Together, these efforts have helped reduce more than 2.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, a huge contribution towards cleaner skies and healthier lives. Their technology is especially important in cities where diesel generators are widely used during power cuts, often adding heavily to air pollution.
Beyond emission-control devices, Chakr is also working on aluminium-air battery technology, which could serve as a sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries. This research is critical at a time when global supply chains for lithium are under pressure, and countries are searching for cleaner, safer, and more affordable solutions. By developing advanced alternatives, Chakr is positioning itself as not just a pollution-control company but as a future-focused clean energy player.
Innovating for a Pollution-Free Future
Looking ahead, Chakr Innovation plans to establish India’s first dedicated materials science centre focused on creating advanced solutions for clean technology. The new centre will allow researchers to experiment with innovative materials and design products that are stronger, more sustainable, and less polluting. With its fresh capital, expanding global vision, and focus on building scalable clean technologies, the company is setting the stage to become a leader in the global fight against pollution.
Chakr’s journey is proof that young Indian startups can take on some of the world’s biggest problems. With air pollution being one of the most urgent challenges of our time, companies like Chakr are showing how innovation, science, and determination can come together to create a healthier and safer future for everyone.