Surya Rao (Althion)
%2Findianstartupnews%2Fmedia%2Fmedia_files%2F2024%2F11%2F28%2FOPY2JPu7JU8Skv2c1IBS.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
Overview
Surya Rao is an Indian entrepreneur and the founder of Althion, a Hyderabad-based water-tech company specializing in developing ultra-pure water systems. Established in 2017, Althion has made significant strides in the healthcare, research, and semiconductor industries by providing cost-effective and high-quality water purification solutions. Surya Rao’s innovative approach to tackling high-cost solutions in these sectors has positioned Althion as a key player, especially in enhancing kidney dialysis efficiency and supporting biotechnology labs.
Recent Developments
- November 2024: Althion raised INR 3.6 crore in a pre-Series A funding round led by IAN Group-powered BioAngels, alongside prominent investors. The funding will facilitate the production of 40 units of a tabletop laboratory water purification system, expansion of R&D in kidney dialysis solutions, and scaling operations with a larger facility.
- June 2024: Althion publicized its achievement in obtaining grants for CE marking and USFDA certifications, aiming to expand into markets in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. This aligns with their goal to provide cost-effective biomedical water solutions globally.
- 2023: Under Surya Rao’s leadership, Althion launched innovative ultra-pure water systems equipped with the Althion Remote Monitoring System (ARMS), enhancing predictive and preventive maintenance capabilities. The company also collaborated with major healthcare institutions like Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and Narayana Hrudayalaya.
- 2022-2023: Althion received additional seed funding from C-CAMP and Atal Incubation Centre, furthering their research development efforts to address sustainability in the healthcare sector.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Surya Rao |
| Born | N/A |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Founder of Althion |
| Known For | Establishing Althion, a water-tech company |
| Education | MBA in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the University of Georgia, Master’s in Microbiology from the University of Texas at Austin, Biotechnology from the University of Mysore |
Early Life and Education
Surya Rao was raised in Hyderabad, India, into a family supportive of his academic pursuits. From a young age, Rao exhibited a profound interest in scientific studies, which later guided his educational and career choices. He pursued a Master’s degree in Microbiology at the University of Texas at Austin, where he developed a keen understanding of biotechnology applications. Subsequently, he earned an MBA in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia. His academic experiences laid a solid foundation for his entrepreneurial journey, fostering a blend of scientific and business acumen.
Career and Notable Achievements
Surya Rao’s career began in academia, with teaching and research roles at institutions like BITS Pilani and the University of Massachusetts. His significant professional leap was in founding Althion in 2017, driven by the objective to innovate in water purification technology for medical and research applications. Under his leadership:
- Althion developed proprietary systems such as the Althion Remote Monitoring System (ARMS).
- The company executed strategic partnerships with healthcare giants, paving the way for impactful deployments across dialysis centers and biotechnology labs.
- Althion received notable recognitions and grants that accelerated their development and operational capabilities.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Surya Rao focuses on scaling Althion’s operations and expanding its market reach internationally. His strategic vision continues to drive Althion's mission to provide sustainable and affordable healthcare solutions. Through innovation and strategic partnerships, Althion addresses significant gaps in high-cost water purification processes, aiming to disrupt the field with sustainable and high-quality products.
Conclusion
Surya Rao's contribution to the water-tech industry through Althion has been notable in advancing cost-effective healthcare solutions. His ability to blend scientific innovation with practical business strategies has allowed Althion to emerge as a key player in sustainability and healthcare industries. Surya Rao’s continued commitment to addressing global healthcare and research needs through improved water purification technologies ensures Althion’s lasting impact on the industry.