Water scarcity is becoming one of the most urgent issues of our time. By 2030, global demand for water is expected to exceed supply by more than 40%. Factors such as rapid urbanization, climate change, and pollution from industrial, agricultural, and domestic sources are putting significant stress on our existing water resources. In this situation, finding innovative solutions for water management and wastewater treatment is essential.
Indra, a company based in Mumbai, is leading the charge in this area. The company is focused on developing cost-effective, compact, and smart water treatment systems that allow for the recycling and reuse of both domestic and industrial wastewater. Their dedication to sustainability and technological progress has established them as a leader in tackling the world’s most challenging water issues.
Indra’s growth and impact stem from a strong foundation of purpose-driven leadership and technical excellence. Among the key contributors to this journey is Chandan Kumar, Vice President of Sales, who brings a strategic vision for sustainable development and a deep understanding of the industry. His efforts have helped strengthen partnerships across sectors and expand access to the company’s innovative solutions. Alongside a dedicated team, he is helping shape a future where water is managed more responsibly and efficiently for all.
The Shift from Banking to Water Solutions
Mr. Chandan Kumar has a strong background in finance and banking, starting his career in transactional banking before moving into structured deals. Although this experience sharpened his strategic thinking and understanding of global business, he felt a lack of purpose in his work. Seeking to make a meaningful impact, he transitioned to the water sector in 2018, aligning his career with his personal values. He recognized the critical importance of water, often undervalued and misused, and saw an opportunity to change perceptions about wastewater, viewing it as a resource to be reclaimed and reused.
In January 2024, Mr. Kumar joined Indra, where his mission became personal. He understood that every drop of recycled wastewater represents a drop of freshwater saved. Indra’s technology empowers industries, institutions, and communities to manage and preserve water actively. Mr. Chandan Kumar emphasizes, “At Indra, I am not just contributing to the growth of a business; I am part of a movement that’s redefining how we think about water. This simple but powerful thought keeps me going every day.” His motivation stems from the blend of purpose and innovation in his work
Smart Solutions for Treating and Reusing Wastewater
Indra was founded by two visionary engineers, Mr. Amrit Om Nayak (Co-founder & CEO) and Mr. Krunal Patel (Co-founder & COO), during their time at the University of Washington. While global discussions centered on conserving freshwater and improving access to drinking water, they posed a transformative question: What if we could significantly reduce the demand for freshwater by treating and reusing wastewater for non-potable purposes? This forward-thinking idea spurred extensive research, leading to the development of Indra ElectroX—a chemical-free, energy-efficient technology that allows for high water recovery without the complications of traditional systems.
Indra offers affordable, turnkey solutions for decentralized wastewater management, treatment, and recycling at the source. Its patented designs are modular and easily scalable, making them suitable for both domestic and industrial applications. These systems occupy a smaller footprint and are fully automated, supported by INDRA SMART automation and INDRA SPECTRUM analytics platforms, which improve efficiency and ensure reliable performance. Indra is committed to redefining how wastewater is treated and reused, contributing significantly to sustainable water management.
Key Benefits of Indra’s Solutions
- Low Energy Consumption
- No Added Chemicals
- Minimal Sludge Generation
- Over 95% Water Recovery
- High Operational Efficiency
- Reduced Maintenance Requirements
Overcoming Mindset and Technical Challenges in Water Treatment
In the field of industrial wastewater treatment, one of the biggest challenges faced by Indra is not technical but psychological. Some organizations still see wastewater treatment mainly as a compliance necessity, overlooking its potential to boost efficiency and operational resilience. This mindset can hinder progress. At Indra, the team addresses this issue by bringing future possibilities into the present. Through pilot trials, live demonstrations, and data-driven storytelling, they help clients understand the true potential of sustainable water management— for the environment and their financial performance.
Another significant challenge is the unpredictability of industrial effluent. There can be considerable variability from batch to batch, as well as seasonal fluctuations, meaning that no two wastewater streams are identical. This is where Indra’s smart automation plays a crucial role. With real-time monitoring and adaptive controls, its systems respond to changes and anticipate them. The company learns from different conditions and maintains consistent treatment quality even when circumstances change.
“In a space as dynamic and critical as water, resilience is the new gold standard- and we design with that in mind every step of the way,”
says Mr. Chandan Kumar.
Milestones and Innovations
Since its establishment in 2018, Indra has evolved from a promising startup into one of India’s foremost clean-tech innovators in wastewater treatment. The company now comprises over 65 dedicated professionals who share the mission of redefining how water is valued, treated, and reused.
Indra has reached several significant milestones during its journey. Collaborations with major firms such as Tata Steel, Aditya Birla, Unilever, IHCL, and HCL Technologies have showcased the scalability and reliability of its technology in demanding environments. Furthermore, global platforms like the World Economic Forum and Imagine H2O have recognized Indra’s contributions, affirming its impact on an international scale.
A major advancement for the company was the launch of SMART Automation and SPECTRUM Analytics—intelligent platforms that improve precision, predictability, and performance in water treatment. These innovations highlight Indra’s transition from a hardware focus to integrated, data-driven solutions.
Additionally, Indra introduced Water Treatment as a Service (WTaaS), a pay-per-use model that removes the traditional barrier of high capital costs, making advanced wastewater solutions accessible to businesses of all sizes. “Indra’s story is no longer just about technology—it’s about reimagining an industry. And we’re just getting started,” says Mr. Chandan Kumar.
Combining Innovation with Practicality
In a market filled with traditional biological systems and chemical-intensive solutions, Indra provides a fundamentally different approach—a clean and efficient alternative based on electrochemical innovation. Its proprietary ElectroX technology treats wastewater without the use of chemicals or biological processes for the primary treatment, achieving high recovery rates with minimal operational complexity.
However, it is not only the technology that distinguishes Indra; it is also their design philosophy. The systems have been developed to be modular, digitally monitored, and easy to deploy at various scales, ranging from compact units suitable for institutions to full-scale industrial plants. This design allows for faster adoption, lower maintenance requirements, and a quicker pathway to achieving impactful results.
At its core, Indra aims to change the perception of wastewater from a burden to a valuable resource. The company does not merely treat water; it assists businesses in achieving long-term sustainability while minimizing their environmental impact. This combination of innovation, practicality, and purpose is what makes Indra stand out in the competitive market of sustainable water treatment and reuse.
Growing Through Partnerships and New Markets
Indra operates at the critical intersection of necessity and impact, focusing on industries where water is not just a utility but a significant constraint. The company serves sectors such as textiles, steel, pharmaceuticals, hospitality, and commercial properties, all facing complex wastewater challenges and increasing sustainability demands. Traditional water solutions often fall short, while Indra’s modular, chemical-free approach delivers transformative results.
Partnerships are central to Indra’s growth strategy. By collaborating with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) firms, system integrators, and local channel partners, Indra ensures smooth execution in the final stages of project implementation. The goal is to sell technology and integrate it into ecosystems where it can scale effectively over time.
Looking ahead, South and Southeast Asia are emerging as key markets for Indra. With rapid industrialization and significant water stress in these regions, there is a strong opportunity to move beyond outdated infrastructure. Indra is actively strengthening partnerships, building new alliances, and preparing to roll out its advanced water solutions in areas where access to clean, reusable water is essential.
Indra’s mission is clear: to redefine what is possible in decentralized water treatment and contribute to a smarter, more sustainable future, one drop at a time.
Notable Projects by Indra
Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai
- Project: Implementation of Modular ElectroX System
- Impact: Over 90% reuse of treated wastewater
- Applications: Toilet flushing, Gardening, cooling towers, cleaning common areas, Chillers
- Significance: Major transformation in water stewardship for a historic hotel with high sustainability goals.
Unilever Facilities (Outside India)
- Project: Treatment of millions of liters of effluent daily
- Challenge: Fluctuating characteristics of effluent
- Solution: ElectroX System
- Results: 60% reduction in chemical usage, 70% decrease in sludge generation
- Benefits: Ensured operational resilience and delivered measurable environmental benefits at scale.
Turning Wastewater into a Resource with Smart Technology
“At Indra, technology isn’t just a tool; it’s our response to one of the planet’s most urgent challenges: water scarcity,” says Mr. Chandan Kumar. The company’s flagship innovation, ElectroX, utilizes advanced micro-electrolysis to break down complex pollutants without the need for added chemicals. The outcome is cleaner water, reduced environmental impact, and a system designed for a world that cannot afford waste.
However, Indra does not stop at treatment. With IoT-enabled SMART Automation, its systems can self-optimize through real-time performance monitoring. This allows them to adjust parameters and ensure energy-efficient operations continuously. Coupled with the SPECTRUM Analytics platform, clients can access live dashboards, receive predictive maintenance alerts, and gain actionable insights, all from the convenience of their mobile devices.
Indra’s systems are designed to be plug-and-play, scalable, and low-touch, making them quick to implement and adaptable to evolving client needs. This approach results in less human error, fewer chemicals used, and more water saved. This approach blends smart engineering with a deep environmental purpose, turning wastewater into a cornerstone of sustainable operations.
The Future of Water Treatment and Sustainability
The next decade will significantly change how the world views and manages water. Indra anticipates a major shift from centralized, reactive infrastructure to decentralized, intelligent, and circular systems. Water treatment will no longer be an afterthought in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reports; instead, it will become a fundamental strategy for enhancing resilience, reducing risks, and creating long-term value.
Central to this transformation is the concept of water reuse—the ability to treat and re-treat water at the point of use, on demand. Indra is at the forefront of this movement. Their ElectroX platform, combined with AI-driven automation and real-time analytics, enables industries to turn wastewater from a liability into a valuable resource. This approach not only promotes environmental stewardship but also makes sound economic sense.
Indra’s role is to design the next generation of water infrastructure—modular, scalable, ready for zero-liquid discharge, and smart from the ground up. The company is not merely addressing today’s challenges; it is laying the groundwork for how water will be managed in a climate-resilient economy.
Leading with Purpose and Conviction
As Vice President of Sales, Mr. Chandan Kumar’s leadership approach is clear: “Listen first, act with purpose.” He sees sales as more than just closing deals—it’s about finding real solutions for customers’ needs.
At Indra, the team doesn’t just rely on traditional sales presentations. Instead, they lead with insights and work together to solve real problems. They combine technical know-how with a strong commitment to protecting the environment. For Indra, growth isn’t just about numbers; it’s about building lasting relationships based on trust, proven results, and a shared goal of a water-secure future.
“In a mission-first company like Indra, leadership isn’t about the title; it’s about conviction,” Mr. Chandan Kumar explains. He believes that to lead well, you must be the first to believe in the company’s mission, the first to take action, and the last to give up. The organization’s purpose should guide every decision and action, not just be words on a wall.
Mr. Kumar also believes that leaders should stay close to the challenges their teams face. By listening carefully and staying dedicated to finding solutions, leaders can inspire a culture of commitment and positive impact throughout the organization.
Open Letter for Emerging Professionals and Future Leaders
Dear Emerging Professionals and Future Leaders,
Build for purpose, not applause. In this space, flashy doesn’t last; functional does. The planet doesn’t need heroes—it needs commitment and grit. If your goal is to make a lasting impact rather than headlines, you’re in the right place.
Stay curious. Stay grounded. Build with intention. The journey may not always be glamorous, but the impact will speak for itself.
Sincerely,
Chandan Kumar, Vice President of Sales
Indra (Inphlox Water Systems Pvt Ltd.)
5 Key Takeaways from Mr. Chandan Kumar’s Vision for Sustainable Water
- Chandan Kumar’s Journey with Purpose: Chandan Kumar, Vice President of Sales at Indra, made a significant career change from banking to water solutions. He was driven by a desire to make a real impact and found his purpose in transforming wastewater into a valuable resource, showing that a meaningful career can be found in addressing pressing global issues.
- Indra’s Innovative Approach: Founded by two visionary engineers, Indra uses a unique, chemical-free, and energy-efficient technology called ElectroX to treat wastewater. This innovative approach allows for high water recovery and reuse, setting it apart from traditional, often chemical-intensive, methods.
- Smart and Scalable Solutions: Indra’s systems are designed to be compact, modular, and fully automated with SMART automation and SPECTRUM analytics. This means its solutions are efficient, adaptable for various needs (from small institutions to large industries), and easier to manage, making advanced water treatment accessible.
- Overcoming Challenges Beyond Technology: One of Indra’s biggest hurdles isn’t technical, but rather changing the mindset of organizations that see wastewater treatment only as a compliance burden. It actively works to show clients the environmental and financial benefits of sustainable water management through demonstrations and data.
- Focus on Partnerships and Future Impact: Indra is growing by collaborating with major companies and expanding into new markets, especially in South and Southeast Asia. Its goal is to redefine water management by creating decentralized, intelligent systems that will transform wastewater into a key asset for a sustainable and climate-resilient future.
