In a landmark achievement highlighting India’s growing prominence in environmental science, five Indian researchers have received the 2025 Inflection Award. This prestigious international accolade celebrates emerging scientists who are transforming the fight against climate change through bold and original solutions.
The award brings together a global cohort of visionary thinkers working on climate tech, policy, and innovation. As part of the recognition, the winners will participate in a collaborative summit in Paris, where they will present their work, exchange ideas, and connect with top mentors, investors, and fellow researchers from across the world.
🌱 Spotlight on the Indian Awardees
🔋 Eshaan Patheria: Pioneering Low-Cost Battery Tech
A Ph.D. researcher at Caltech, Eshaan Patheria is pushing the frontiers of clean energy with his development of low-cost, high-performance lithium-ion battery cathodes. His work focuses on making energy storage more affordable and accessible. He also helped establish a lithium-ion microgrid system in remote villages of Odisha, enhancing energy equity and access.
🌫️ Garima Raheja: Defending Public Health Through Clean Air
Garima Raheja, pursuing her Ph.D. at Columbia University, is researching the health impacts of urban air pollution, particularly in marginalized communities. With prior roles in the White House and NASA, she brings policy insight and technical expertise to her mission of achieving environmental justice and equitable climate solutions.
🌊 Vikas Dhamu: Capturing Carbon Beneath the Sea
At the National University of Singapore, Vikas Dhamu is developing innovative technology to store carbon dioxide as stable hydrates in ocean sediments. His cutting-edge research offers a promising path to large-scale, long-term carbon sequestration, crucial for global decarbonization efforts.
🛡️ Monali Priyadarshini: Strengthening Community Resilience
Dedicated to empowering climate-vulnerable populations, Monali Priyadarshini’s work bridges traditional knowledge with science-driven adaptation strategies. Her initiatives aim to help communities withstand environmental shocks through localized, sustainable practices.
🌾 Mahendra Patel: Sowing Sustainability in Agriculture
Mahendra Patel’s research focuses on eco-friendly farming techniques that reduce emissions while enhancing crop resilience. His work addresses the urgent need for climate-smart agriculture that ensures food security amid rising climate volatility.
🌍 A Testament to India’s Scientific Leadership
These five innovators not only represent individual brilliance but also mark a collective stride forward in India’s contribution to global climate solutions. Their work spans renewable energy, air quality, carbon capture, community adaptation, and sustainable agriculture—core pillars of a climate-resilient future.
This recognition affirms India’s growing role in shaping environmental progress and nurturing the next generation of climate leaders.