Shivali S. (GreenGrahi)
Overview
Shivali S., also known as Shivali Sugand, is a prominent figure in the field of sustainability and agritech innovation. She is the co-founder of GreenGrahi, a groundbreaking startup focused on using insect biotechnology to transform organic waste into sustainable, high-value products such as animal feed and biofertilizers. Shivali, educated in environmental science, has gained recognition for her innovative approach to solving environmental and agricultural challenges. GreenGrahi, founded in 2021 alongside Siddharth Sharma, utilizes Black Soldier Flies (BSF) in their processes, contributing significantly to circular economy solutions in agriculture.
Recent Developments
- April 2025: GreenGrahi raised INR 32 crore ($3.8 million) in seed funding, led by Avaana Capital, to establish large-scale BSF bio-factories for processing 150 tons of feedstock per day. This funding round included participation from Huddle Ventures, Campus Fund, and Blume Founders Fund, among others. The capital is targeted towards enhancing their scientific team and expanding GreenGrahi's market reach to international territories, including the US, UK, and the EU.
- December 2024: GreenGrahi featured among Forbes India's Top 100 Promising Startups. This recognition celebrates their impactful contributions to the agritech sector through sustainable practices.
- Mid-2024: The company achieved a significant milestone in their business progression by closing a seed round, enabling the establishment of India's largest BSF bio-factory. They also expanded their product line to address aquaculture, poultry, and pet industries, reflecting a growing demand for innovative agricultural input solutions.
- 2024: GreenGrahi strengthened its R&D, moving towards launching advanced biofertilizers and biostimulants that enhance soil and plant health with minimal chemical dependency.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shivali Sugand |
| Born | Not publicized |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Co-Founder and Sustainability Expert |
| Known For | GreenGrahi, Insect Biotechnology Solutions |
| Net Worth | Not publicized |
| Education | Master's in Environmental Studies |
| Languages Spoken | English, Hindi |
Early Life and Education
Shivali Sugand developed an interest in environmental sustainability during her formative years in India. Her academic journey took her to Germany, where she honed her expertise as a Humboldt Fellow, specializing in waste management technologies. This international exposure laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in sustainable solutions. Returning to India, she leveraged her global experiences to address domestic challenges in agricultural waste management and sustainability. Her educational background in environmental sciences, paired with hands-on experiences in waste facility design, catalyzed her visionary path towards co-founding GreenGrahi.
Career and Notable Achievements
Shivali Sugand's career is marked by significant achievements in promoting sustainable agricultural solutions:
- 2019: Began collaborating with Siddharth Sharma to ideate a viable model for addressing food waste in India.
- 2021: Co-founded GreenGrahi, focusing on insect-based waste conversion technologies to produce bio-optimized fertilizers and animal feed.
- 2022: Recognized for her contributions to circular economy practices by awards and features in sustainability dossiers.
- Authored several publications focusing on sustainable waste management practices and the utilization of refuse-derived fuel.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Shivali Sugand continues to lead GreenGrahi, which is scaling its operations to meet growing demands in sustainable food production and agricultural inputs. Her work has made substantial impacts on the circular economy, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and creating sustainable income avenues for communities involved in waste collection and processing. As the company expands globally, her visionary leadership in insect biotechnology is likely to influence agricultural practices worldwide, promoting a sustainable and eco-friendly agronomy model.