Akhil Kongara (Sthyr Energy)
Overview
Akhil Kongara is a prominent Indian entrepreneur and the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Sthyr Energy, a deep-tech startup dedicated to transforming the energy storage landscape through innovative technology. Sthyr Energy, incubated at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), aims to address the global challenge of renewable energy storage using its mechanically rechargeable Zinc-Air battery systems designed for long-duration and seasonal storage. Akhil Kongara, along with his co-founders Gunjan Kapadia and Muhammed Hamdan, leverages his academic and professional expertise in chemical engineering to drive the company's mission of providing sustainable energy solutions.
Recent Developments
- June 2025: Sthyr Energy raised $1 million in seed funding led by Speciale Invest and Antares Ventures. The investment aims to support the company's research and development initiatives and scale-up efforts for its Zinc-Air battery technology.
- Participation in UICCA: Sthyr Energy was part of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators' (UICCA) Launchpad Programme, which focuses on promoting green technological innovation. The program provided exposure to global investors and stakeholders.
- IESW 2025: Sthyr Energy's CEO, Gunjan Kapadia, was announced as a speaker at the India Energy Storage Week 2025, where the company will showcase its Zn-air battery technology.
- Technology Advancements: The company is set to use seed funding to expand its R&D capabilities, construct pilot systems, and collaborate with grid-scale energy and industrial partners to validate the commercial viability of its technology.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Akhil Kongara |
| Born | N/A |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Co-founder and CTO of Sthyr Energy Private Limited |
| Known For | Zinc-Air Battery Innovation |
| Net Worth | N/A |
| Education | M.Tech and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from IIT Madras |
Early Life and Education
Akhil Kongara completed his Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Warangal, in 2016. He pursued higher studies at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, acquiring a dual degree M.Tech and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering by 2024. His academic journey equipped him with a strong foundation in chemical engineering, which he applies notably in the field of energy storage solutions. During his research years, he focused on the synthesis of catalysts and gas diffusion layer fabrication essential for metal-air batteries, aiming for applications in electric vehicles and grid energy storage. His educational experience at prestigious Indian institutions set the stage for his breakthrough in energy innovation, culminating in the founding of Sthyr Energy.
Career and Notable Achievements
Akhil Kongara initiated his professional career with roles such as a Graduate Engineering Trainee at Aurobindo Pharma and a Project Trainee at the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. These early experiences complemented his academic pursuits and honed his skills in industrial applications. In 2024, he co-founded Sthyr Energy with fellow IIT Madras alumni Gunjan Kapadia and Muhammed Hamdan. The startup focuses on the development of a mechanically rechargeable Zinc-Air battery system. This innovative approach helps integrate renewable energy sources more effectively by storing energy during periods of excess generation for use during low-generation periods.
- Co-founded Sthyr Energy in 2024
- Innovated a patented Zinc-Air battery system
- Raised $1 million in seed funding to advance energy storage technology
Current Work and Impact
As CTO of Sthyr Energy, Akhil Kongara plays a pivotal role in spearheading technological innovations in Zinc-Air battery systems. His work substantially impacts the renewable energy sector by offering a viable alternative to lithium-ion batteries, reducing the dependency on rare earth metals. Sthyr Energy's systems are designed for a variety of applications including microgrids, defense sectors, and remote communities, providing long-duration energy storage solutions that promise enhanced sustainability and lower costs. The company's emphasis on safety, scalability, and indigenously developed technology aims to position India as a leader in global energy storage advancements.
Conclusion
Akhil Kongara, through his vision and technical expertise, is contributing to transforming the landscape of energy storage technology. Sthyr Energy's focus on Zinc-Air battery innovation stands to significantly impact renewable energy systems, offering scalable, safe, and cost-effective solutions. His efforts align with broader goals of sustainability and energy optimization, paving the way for greater adoption of renewable energies and serving as a testament to the potential for innovation from academia to industry. As Sthyr Energy continues to grow and develop, Akhil's work holds the promise of driving significant advancements in clean energy solutions across the globe.