Dr Priyadarshini Karve

Dr. Priyadarshini Karve completed Ph.D. in Physics from University of Pune, in 1998. Her first research project resulted in the development of a process for converting agricultural waste into charcoal. The technology won the Ashden Award for Renewable Energy in 2002.

In a career spanning more than 20 years, Dr. Karve invented a number of improved biomass burning cooking devices, to reduce smoke in the kitchen and dependence on firewood for domestic cooking in rural areas. She has also worked on “decentralised organic waste to fuel” technologies. She developed a methodology for technology selection and promotion to improve adoption of clean cooking energy devices by end users. In the past 5 years or so, her work has also focused on devising and promoting strategies for low carbon, sustainable urbanisation.

In 2005, she started Samuchit Enviro Tech, a social green enterprise that promotes environmentally sustainable energy and lifestyle products and services. Dr. Karve, who is the Managing Director of Samuchit, has also invented an easy-to-use Samuchit Carbon Footprint Calculator for Urban Indians, and conducts workshops on climate friendly lifestyle, sustainable urbanisation, etc.

Dr. Karve is actively involved in national and international organisations working in the field of renewable energy, equitable sustainable development, climate resilience, etc. She is also associated with various educational institutes as a visiting faculty. Her work has been honoured by a number of national and international awards and honours.