Tejas Kusurkar (Offgrid Energy Labs)
Overview
Tejas Kusurkar is a noted entrepreneur and co-founder of Offgrid Energy Labs, a company headquartered in Noida, India that specializes in innovative energy storage technologies. Established in 2018 at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, the startup is revolutionizing the battery storage industry with its proprietary ZincGel technology. This innovation offers a safer, non-toxic, and cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion batteries for stationary energy storage applications. Kusurkar's work focuses on making energy storage not only more efficient but also environmentally sustainable, aiming for significant impacts in both the Indian and global energy sectors.
Recent Developments
- September 2025: Offgrid Energy Labs recently raised $15 million in a Series A funding round led by Archean Chemicals Industries with participation from Ankur Capital. This investment is set to support the establishment of a 10 MWh manufacturing facility in the UK and lay the groundwork for a future gigawatt-scale plant in India.
- August 2025: The company has been perfecting its ZincGel technology, designed to minimize production costs by using abundant and recyclable materials. This battery technology is anticipated to outlast lithium-ion batteries and is suited for longer discharge cycles, crucial for renewable energy integration.
- 2024: Offgrid has actively expanded its R&D capabilities, focusing on optimizing the energy, cost, and safety aspects of its battery technology.
- 2023: Under Kusurkar’s leadership, the company has progressed from lab-oriented innovation to planning large-scale commercialization, opening new avenues in the energy storage sector both within India and globally.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tejas Kusurkar |
| Born | Unknown |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, CEO |
| Known For | ZincGel battery technology, Offgrid Energy Labs |
| Net Worth | Not disclosed |
| Education | PhD, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur |
Early Life and Education
Tejas Kusurkar’s early life details are sparse, but it is known that he pursued higher education at one of India's premier science and technology institutes, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. He obtained his PhD from there, which laid the foundation for his interest and subsequent career in clean energy and technology-driven initiatives. His time at IIT Kanpur was significant as it led to the conception of Offgrid Energy Labs alongside co-founders who shared his vision of sustainable energy solutions.
Career and Notable Achievements
Tejas Kusurkar co-founded Offgrid Energy Labs in 2018, along with Rishi Srivastava, Ankur Agarwal, and Brindan Tulachan.
- 2018: The inception of Offgrid Energy Labs at the Startup Incubation and Innovation Center at IIT Kanpur.
- Innovation: Developed ZincGel technology, which uses non-toxic zinc-bromide chemistry for energy storage, providing a viable alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries.
- 2023-2025: Achieved significant milestones in securing funding that supports the transition from lab-scale innovations to commercial production and application.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Tejas Kusurkar is actively involved in steering Offgrid Energy Labs toward significant industrial impact. The focus is on enhancing ZincGel technology to cater to energy storage needs for renewable energy projects and grid stability solutions. The anticipated launch of a giga-factory in India is expected to trigger advancements in battery technology deployment, not just locally but at a global scale, promoting sustainable energy practices.
Conclusion
Tejas Kusurkar stands as a pivotal figure in the domain of clean energy and sustainable storage solutions. Under his leadership, Offgrid Energy Labs is transforming how the energy storage market operates, with notable technological advancements and strategic expansions. With ongoing developments and funding, Kusurkar's work promises to leave a long-lasting legacy that could redefine renewable energy integration and infrastructure worldwide.