How Collaboration is Shaping the Future of Climate Tech? Insights from Pratap Raju

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the climate crisis has become a focal point of global discussions, and the need for effective solutions is more urgent than ever. While governments, corporates, and startups all play crucial roles, the journey towards a sustainable future often feels fragmented. Bridging this gap, however, is a growing movement of collaboration, where partnerships are key to unlocking the potential of climate tech startups.

Indetifying this transformation, Climate Collective recently organised the Mosambi Climate Conference, a platform that brings together diverse players in the climate ecosystem. It serves as a beacon for innovation, connection, and the collective effort required to address climate challenges. 

On the sidelines of the summit, TICE had the privilege of speaking with Mr. Pratap Raju, the founder of Climate Collective, about the summit’s vision, the role of collaboration, and the incredible growth of the clean tech sector in India.

The Power of Collaboration in Tackling Climate Change

According to Raju, the climate tech startup space is a complex and fragmented one.

"If you work in this space, whether you’re a small startup or a corporate entity, we all need each other’s help," he said. The collaboration gap is a challenge that many climate innovators face.

Despite the abundance of ideas, solutions are difficult to scale without the right partnerships in place.

Raju emphasized that platforms like the Mosambi Climate Summit are essential for bringing people together.

"Without these events, it’s hard to meet the right people, find the right resources, or create the kind of collaborations necessary for meaningful change," he noted.

His message was clear: collaboration is not just about networking; it’s about combining efforts to tackle one of the most pressing issues of our time—climate change.

Climate Collective’s Journey: From Grassroots to Global Impact

Raju also reflected on the evolution of Climate Collective, which was founded in 2016 when the clean tech sector in India was still in its infancy. At the time, there were fewer than 50 clean tech startups in the country. Fast forward to today, and that number has grown to an estimated 6,000 to 7,000.

In the early days, Climate Collective’s focus was on providing foundational support to entrepreneurs—helping them build business plans and understand the basics of starting a clean tech venture. But as the sector matured, so did the needs of the startups.

"Now, we’re seeing entrepreneurs coming to us with questions on how to enter international markets, raise blended finance, or even structure mergers. The ecosystem has grown in both size and sophistication," Raju explained.

A Shift in Climate Tech Investment: From Skepticism to Opportunity

Reflecting on how the investment landscape has changed, Raju pointed out a significant shift in mindset.

"When we started, many saw clean tech as something that was either a government or CSR initiative," he recalled. "But today, investors recognize the immense business potential of clean tech. They understand that it’s possible to scale solutions, generate impact, and deliver strong financial returns at the same time."

Raju’s comments serve as a reminder of the evolving perception of climate tech, which is increasingly seen as a lucrative and essential sector, rather than a niche or CSR-driven initiative. The success stories of companies like Tesla further highlight the massive potential within clean tech, and Raju believes India is on the verge of experiencing a similar transformation.

Why Partnerships are Key to Startup Success

Raju also discussed the various types of partnerships that are crucial for the growth of climate tech startups.

"The journey for a startup is challenging, and you need different kinds of capital—everything from grants to institutional funding," he shared. "You also need the right deployment partners for pilots, distribution channels for scaling, and media partners to raise awareness."

He further emphasized the role of media in driving the success of startups, pointing out that without exposure, startups struggle to connect with potential partners, customers, and investors.

"Media plays a critical role in amplifying the work of startups and helping them scale," he added.

Key Takeaways from the Mosambi Climate Summit

When asked about his key takeaways from the Mosambi Climate Summit, Raju expressed his satisfaction with the turnout and engagement.

"It’s great to see so many key stakeholders here. The demand for collaboration is clearly evident across the entire ecosystem," he said.

For Raju, the summit reaffirmed the importance of bringing together like-minded individuals and organizations to work towards common climate goals.

The Personal Story Behind Mosambi: A Name with Heart

The unique name of the Mosambi Climate Summit also has a personal connection for Raju.

"The name ‘Mosambi’ comes from the sweet lime fruit, which holds special meaning for me," he shared. "When my first son, Musa, was born, we used to call him Mosambi because he was round and cute like the fruit. Over time, that name stuck, and it became a symbol of what I wanted to leave behind for future generations—something that would benefit my children and their children."

This personal connection to the name speaks volumes about Raju’s dedication to leaving a legacy of sustainability and hope for future generations.

As the conversation concluded, Raju expressed his hope for the long-term impact of the Mosambi Climate Summit and his belief that initiatives like this will lead to significant change on the ground.

"We’re excited about the potential for collaboration, and we’re optimistic that these connections will help drive the real change we need."

The Mosambi Climate Summit serves as a vital platform for fostering collaboration and creating lasting partnerships in the fight against climate change. With leaders like Pratap Raju at the helm, the future of the climate tech startup ecosystem in India looks brighter than ever.