The Sustainability Mafia (SusMafia), a non-profit organisation focused on climate education and early-stage venture support, has received ₹2 crore in CSR funding from Zerodha. The funding will be used to strengthen India’s climate talent pipeline and support early-stage climate-focused startups working in areas such as air quality, water and sanitation, waste management, carbon reduction, and circular economy solutions.
The support is intended to address gaps in India’s climate ecosystem, including limited access to industry-ready talent, early validation for new ventures, and platforms that connect founders with funding partners, corporations, and pilot opportunities. Over the past few years, SusMafia has developed a network-driven approach to climate education and incubation. Through its Climate Ninja programme, the organisation has trained more than 400 professionals, while its incubation initiatives have distributed ₹1 crore in grants to early-stage climate startups. The organisation currently works with a network of more than 80 climate entrepreneurs across multiple sectors.
With the new funding, SusMafia plans to expand its education programmes, strengthen support for early-stage ventures, and develop shared knowledge resources for the climate ecosystem. Planned activities include structured learning programmes for students and working professionals, hands-on incubation support for startups, and ecosystem engagements that encourage collaboration among founders, practitioners, and institutional partners.
The funding will support the training of more than 300 additional Climate Ninjas, provide early-stage support to over 20 climate startups, and enable the organisation to host regional and national gatherings such as SusCrunch, which brings together stakeholders from across the climate and sustainability landscape.
Commenting on the grant, Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath said that strong climate outcomes depend on early access to knowledge, support, and practical learning, and noted that SusMafia is playing a key role in building these connections within the ecosystem.
Ganesh, Director of SusMafia, said the funding would help strengthen collaboration across the climate community and allow the organisation to expand its work with greater reach and focus. Zerodha supports a range of climate and sustainability initiatives across India, with a focus on climate resilience, natural resource management, and ecosystem development.
