Brokerage firm Zerodha has awarded a Rs 2 crore CSR grant crore CSR grant to The Sustainability Mafia (SusMafia), a non-profit focused on climate education and early-stage incubation, to boost India’s climate-tech ecosystem.

The Zerodha CSR grant will enable SusMafia, legally known as The Sustainability Engine Foundation, to expand programs building a skilled climate workforce and supporting startups in sectors like air quality, water sanitation, waste management, carbon reduction, and the circular economy.

SusMafia addresses gaps in talent readiness, early validation for founders, and connections to capital and pilots.

Over recent years, the organization has trained over 400 climate professionals via its Climate Ninja program and deployed Rs 1 crore in grants to ventures, fostering a network of more than 80 climate entrepreneurs.

With the new funding, SusMafia plans to train over 300 additional Climate Ninjas, support more than 20 early-stage startups, and host events like SusCrunch for stakeholder collaboration.

“Strong climate outcomes emerge when founders, practitioners, and learners have access to the right knowledge and support early in their journey,” said Nithin Kamath, CEO of Zerodha. “SusMafia is building this connective tissue, and we’re pleased to back their work.”

Ganesh Shankar, Director of SusMafia, added: “This Zerodha CSR grant strengthens our ability to build community, bringing founders, talent, and partners closer to make sustainability the default choice.”

Zerodha, through its Rain Matter initiative, supports long-term climate and sustainability efforts across India.

SusMafia collaborates with institutions including the Indian School of Business (ISB), IIT Madras, and Ashoka University, and networks with startups like PadCare, Dexler Energy, and Lucro.