Sanjay Maurya, the CEO and co-founder of uBreathe, is from Lucknow, India.
He is on a mission to improve air quality in cities using a unique combination of plants and technology.
This article explores Sanjay’s journey, the story behind uBreathe, and how their plant-based air purifiers are making a difference.
The Journey to uBreathe
Sanjay’s interest in clean technology started when he realized how serious urban air pollution was compared to rural problems.
Even though there were many advancements in cleaning water and food, there were few solutions for improving air quality. Determined to fill this gap, Sanjay decided to take action.
Before starting uBreathe, Sanjay worked with a senior on a startup, gaining valuable experience in the business world.
Driven by his goal to fight air pollution, he co-founded uBreathe, focusing on improving indoor air quality with plant-based technology.
His leadership and innovation helped uBreathe gain attention and investment, including funding from Namita Thapar on Shark Tank India.
The Visionary Founder and His Team
Sanjay Maurya – Co-founder & CEO
- LIF7 Fellow, Hustler, Tech Entrepreneur
- Education: FMS Delhi, IIT Kanpur
Akhil Gupta – Co-founder & Director
- 16+ years of experience as an impact investor, entrepreneur, and engineer
- Worked in India, USA, South Korea, Dubai, and recently moved to Brussels
The team at uBreathe has a lot of experience in creating and innovating tech products.
Many members had worked on successful startups before joining uBreathe.
A turning point for the team was when two co-founders developed asthma from air pollution, motivating them to find a solution that blends nature, design, and technology.
uBreathe: Overview and Mission
Overview
According to a WHO report, indoor air is five times more polluted than outdoor air.
uBreathe is a biotech startup that makes plant-based air purifiers. Based at IIT Ropar, uBreathe offers green solutions for cleaner and fresher air by tackling a wide range of air pollutants.
Their approach is different from traditional systems, using bio-filtration techniques that don’t require filter changes and have a zero carbon footprint.
Their unique ‘Breathing Roots’ technology enhances a plant’s ability to clean the air, providing much better purification than regular plants.
Mission
uBreathe aims to offer effective and accessible air purification solutions through a well-rounded business model.
The company is committed to not only providing great products but also pushing the boundaries of air quality improvement through ongoing research and development.
Unique Value Proposition
At uBreathe, we believe that new technologies are key to tackling rising air pollution.
Many buildings use mechanical air purifiers that don’t address all indoor air problems and are harmful to the environment.
uBreathe solves this problem by combining technology, design, and nature to create a plant-based air purifier.
Their products clean the air from all types of contaminants, including dust and toxic gases.
Unlike traditional purifiers that only filter dust and are harmful to the environment, uBreathe’s solution captures all air contaminants.
Their products are tested and certified by NABL Labs and recommended by AIIMS Delhi faculty.
Products and Services
Products
- uBreathe Mini Lite
- uBreathe Mini Classic
- uBreathe Life Classic
These plant-based air purifiers are used by over 8500 people in homes and offices.
Air Quality Solutions
uBreathe offers a full range of air quality services, including auditing, purification, and monitoring.
They work with gyms, offices, schools, homes, and co-working spaces across India, making urban spaces healthier.
Notable projects include air quality management for the UN House in Delhi, the Government of Maharashtra, and public primary schools in Chennai.
Key Achievements
- First nature-based air purifier using plant and bio-filtration technology.
- Winner of the Innovation Challenge by MQDC – June 2019.
- Winner of UNDP India’s first Accelerator Labs Program – January 2020.
- Winner of ClimateLaunchpad 2020 – May 2020.
- Winner of Nexus US Embassy innovation program – June 2020.
- Winner of Maharashtra Startup Week 2020 – August 2020.
- Winner of TIDE 2.0 Challenge Grant – August 2020.
- Winner of Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) grant – March 2021.
- Winner of Tesa’s challenge for indoor air pollution solutions – June 2021.
- Winner of The Matrix Startup Award 2022 by TiE Bangalore – June 2022.
Supporters and Backing
uBreathe is supported by IIT Ropar, CIIE.CO IIM Ahmedabad, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), and Nexus US Embassy Delhi.
Conclusion
Sanjay Maurya’s leadership and innovative thinking have put uBreathe at the forefront of clean technology.
His commitment to improving air quality with plant-based solutions is making a significant impact on urban environments.
By combining nature with technology, uBreathe is proving that effective and sustainable solutions for cleaner air are within reach.
