Hosted in the heart of India’s bustling capital, New Delhi, this leg of the summit took place at the India Habitat Centre—a prominent hub for cultural, intellectual, and social engagement. The gathering aimed to spearhead thought leadership around Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) in India, bringing together startups, investors, policymakers, registries, international clients, and think tanks.
KEYNOTE CHAT
Mr. Jairam Ramesh
Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha Former Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India
Theme: Unlocking Climate Finance for India
The summit featured an insightful primer on Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR), offering a deep dive into the field. Guests explored the key distinction between carbon avoidance and removal, and examined how CDR is reshaping the climate action landscape. The session also covered the compliance market, highlighting the emerging opportunities for CDR initiatives in this rapidly evolving sector.
David Armstrong
Policy and Business Development - Isometric
In person
Dr. Krishna Gupta
Additional Chief Secretary - Govt. of West Bengal
In person
Client Perspectives for the Global South
This panel explored the unique challenges and opportunities faced by clients in the Global South as they navigate the carbon removal landscape. Industry leaders shared insights on region-specific needs, innovative approaches, and the vital role of local partnerships in scaling CDR solutions.
Venture Capital Opportunities in Climate Tech for India
This panel explored the booming potential of climate-tech in India, as venture capitalists discussed emerging investment opportunities. Speakers highlighted key trends, innovative startups, and the strategic moves driving India's climate-tech revolution.
Pranav Pai
Founding Partner - 3one4 Capital
Sanchayan Chakraborty
Partner - Aavishkaar Capital
Shiva Shanker
Climate VC - Ankur Capital
Arpit Agarwal
Investment Partner - Blume Ventures
Moderator
Ashis Nayak
Founding Partner - Shastra VC
Moderator
Ashis Nayak
Founding Partner - Shastra VC
Pranav Pai
Founding Partner - 3one4 Capital
Sanchayan Chakraborty
Partner - Aavishkaar Capital
Shiva Shanker
Climate VC - Ankur Capital
Arpit Agarwal
Investment Partner - Blume Ventures
CDR Strategies in the Global South: Challenges and Opportunities
This discussion focused on tailored Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) strategies for the Global South, addressing region-specific challenges such as infrastructure gaps and policy hurdles. Experts also explored opportunities for innovation and collaboration, highlighting practical pathways to effective CDR solutions in the region.
Moderator
Marian Krueger
Co-Founder - remove
Shrey Agarwal
Founder - Alt Carbon
Flo Oberhofer
COO - PyroCCS
Mahima Swarup
Co-founder - Captur Tower
Devdut Dalal
Co-founder - Mitti Labs
Moderator
Marian Krueger
Co-Founder - remove
Shrey Agarwal
Founder - Alt Carbon
Flo Oberhofer
COO - PyroCCS
Mahima Swarup
Co-founder - Captur Tower
Devdut Dalal
Co-founder - Mitti Labs
Policy Frameworks for Supporting CDR
This panel examined the critical role of policy in advancing Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) initiatives. Experts discussed the development of robust frameworks to incentivize CDR and tackle regulatory challenges. The session highlighted how effective policies can accelerate CDR efforts and drive global climate action.
Rathin Roy
Former Economic Advisor - PMO
R R Rashmi
The Energy and Resources Institute
Moderator
Aman Srivastava
Fellow - Sustainable Futures Collaborative
Moderator
Aman Srivastava
Fellow - Sustainable Futures Collaborative
Rathin Roy
Former Economic Advisor - PMO
R R Rashmi
The Energy and Resources Institute
Climate Finance: Innovations in Funding Sustainability
This panel focused on the innovative financial strategies powering the growth of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) technologies. Experts explored new funding models, investment approaches, and financial instruments essential for scaling CDR solutions. The discussion showcased how targeted financial support is driving the development of CDR technologies critical to meeting global climate goals.
P.D. Singh
Eminent Banker
Rachit Verma
Senior VP - Hexa Climate
Laura Fritsch
Residual Carbon & Lecturer - University of Oxford
Moderator
Rahool Gadkari
Co-Founder - Neufin
Moderator
Rahool Gadkari
Co-Founder - Neufin
P.D. Singh
Eminent Banker
Rachit Verma
Senior VP - Hexa Climate
Laura Fritsch
Residual Carbon & Lecturer - University of Oxford
Decarbonising India: A Pathway
This session delved into the seminal report co-authored by Dr. Shirish Sankhe, Decarbonising India: Charting a Pathway for Sustainable Growth. The discussion explored India’s journey toward net-zero, highlighting the role of corporates, the agricultural sector, and carbon pricing in driving sustainable progress.
Dr. Shirish Sankhe
Director and Founding Partner - ISEG Foundation
Moderator
Jivraj Singh Sachar
Founder - Indian Silicon Valley Capital
Moderator
Jivraj Singh Sachar
Founder - Indian Silicon Valley Capital
Dr. Shirish Sankhe
Director and Founding Partner - ISEG Foundation
CLOSING KEYNOTE CHAT
Prof. K. VijayRaghavan
Former Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India Chairperson, Science Advisory Council, Ashoka University
Theme: Climate Change Needs Innovation
The inaugural Futures Summit took place from 16th–18th October 2024, marking South Asia’s first-ever Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) conference. This landmark event was hosted across two dynamic locations—the bustling capital city of New Delhi and the heritage Selim Hill tea garden in Darjeeling.