Zerodha Awards Rs 2 Crore CSR Grant to The Sustainability Mafia to Boost Climate-Tech Workforce and Startups

The Sustainability Mafia (SusMafia), a non profit that focuses on climate education, early stage incubation, and ecosystem building, was given a Rs 2 crore CSR grant by Zerodha. The grant is intended to be used for training a skilled and climate conscious workforce and for startup growth in the climate tech market in India.

On its website, the non profit organisation mentions that the grant is expected to elevate the rollout of products and services in the six sustainability domains of air, water, and sanitation, waste management, carbon reduction, and circular economy.

The organisation was set up in 2018 and in its activities, it brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders to make sustainability the default approach for businesses and communities. A coalition runs the operation as a platform. It pools shared resources, networks, and expertise to overcome challenges in climate action. SusMafia is gearing up for the launch of impact driven startups, creating green jobs, and securing the funding necessary for a sustainable future.

The Bengaluru-based non-profit said its programmes are designed to address some of the biggest gaps in the climate ecosystem—particularly the shortage of industry-ready talent, lack of early-stage validation support for founders, and limited access to trusted platforms connecting innovators with capital, corporates, and pilot opportunities.

Through its flagship Climate Ninja programme, the organisation claims to have trained over 400 climate professionals. It has also deployed Rs 1 crore in grants to support early-stage climate ventures. Today, its growing network includes more than 80 climate entrepreneurs working across multiple sustainability sectors.

“Strong climate outcomes emerge when founders, practitioners, and learners have access to the right knowledge and support early in their journey. The Sustainability Engine Foundation is building this connective tissue for the climate ecosystem, and we’re pleased to back their work,” said Nithin Kamath, CEO of Zerodha.

With the new funding, The Sustainability Mafia plans to train over 300 Climate Ninjas, support 20+ early-stage climate startups, and host regional and national ecosystem events such as SusCrunch, bringing together key stakeholders from across the sustainability landscape.