Abhishek Gupta (WeVOIS): 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Abhishek Gupta, the visionary co-founder and CEO of WeVOIS Labs Pvt. Ltd., is a prominent figure in the field of sustainable waste management. Founded in 2018 alongside his partner Abhinav Vashistha, WeVOIS has rapidly become a key player in managing solid waste across numerous Indian cities. The company’s innovative approach, anchored in technology like IoT and AI, not only addresses the complex challenges of waste management but also dramatically enhances the efficiency of waste collection and processing. Under Gupta’s leadership, WeVOIS champions an inclusive approach, empowering sanitation workers and engaging communities to promote sustainable waste practices.

Early Life and Education

Educational Background
- Abhishek Gupta is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing, Jabalpur, where he earned his Bachelor of Technology degree in Mechanical Engineering. He further honed his business acumen with an executive education at the prestigious Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad.
Professional Journey
- Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Gupta amassed a wealth of experience in various roles including as a Chief Operating Officer at Sonant Technologies Pvt Ltd and as a Research Assistant at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. This diverse background has equipped him with the skills needed to helm a cutting-edge tech startup like WeVOIS.

Founding of WeVOIS

Inception and Mission
- The inception of WeVOIS was inspired by the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and a pertinent need to address the inefficiencies in India’s waste management systems. Gupta, along with Vashistha, launched WeVOIS with the mission to revolutionize waste management practices and improve the living conditions of sanitation workers through innovative technologies and community engagement.
Technological Innovations
- WeVOIS utilizes IoT-based systems for optimized waste collection routes, which vastly improve operational efficiency. These technologies aid in real-time tracking and management of waste collection, ensuring that processes are streamlined and effective.

Achievements and Impact

Expansion and Growth
- Since its establishment, WeVOIS has rapidly scaled its operations to serve over 3 million citizens daily across 18 Indian cities, including Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Dehradun. The company aims to establish 100 zero-waste cities in the next five years, supported by ongoing technological and strategic advancements.
Economic Contributions
- WeVOIS has secured substantial funding in its growth journey, including a recent INR 36 crores in a Series A round, led by investors like Negen Capital. This financial backing has propelled its expansion and facilitated investments in advanced waste processing facilities and technologies.

Challenges and Opportunities

Environmental and Operational Challenges
- One of the significant challenges for WeVOIS has been managing the vast quantities of waste generated daily, ensuring adequate segregation and recycling. The company addresses these challenges by continuously improving its technological infrastructure and strengthening its engagement with municipal bodies.
Community Engagement
- WeVOIS places a strong emphasis on community involvement. It promotes awareness and education around waste segregation and recycling through community outreach programs, significantly contributing to increased public participation in sustainable practices.

Current and Future Prospects

Sustainability and Innovation
- Looking forward, WeVOIS is focused on integrating more advanced technologies like AI for better data analytics and operational management, further enhancing its service delivery and environmental impact. The company is also working on initiatives to transform waste into resources, contributing to the circular economy.
Impact on Policy and Broader Markets

WeVOIS is actively influencing policy changes and contributing to national sustainability goals by collaborating with governmental and non-governmental organizations to align its operations with broader environmental objectives, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing recycling rates.

Conclusion

Abhishek Gupta’s leadership in WeVOIS demonstrates the compelling power of combining entrepreneurship with social responsibility. By leveraging cutting-edge technology for waste management, WeVOIS not only paves the way for cleaner cities but also sets a precedent for future innovations in environmental sustainability. As Gupta continues to steer WeVOIS towards its ambitious zero-waste goals, his journey remains an inspiring testament to the impact of visionary thinking in addressing critical ecological challenges.