Unusual Suspects

Future of smartphones – the next homegrown disruptor | Madhav Sheth, Founder & CEO, NxtQuantum Shift Technologies

The man who virtually dismantled the entry barrier to owning smartphones has now embarked on his next project, which, too, is poised to revolutionise communication. Former RealMe founder Madhav Sheth’s latest venture, NxtQuantum Shift Technologies, has pioneered the AI+ smartphone – entirely designed, developed, and manufactured in India. Under Sheth’s leadership, the company aims to, once again, redefine what it means to own a smartphone in the age of AI. Rooted in trust, privacy, and data sovereignty, NxtQuantum Shift Technologies is truly addressing global concerns while building India’s digital future.

Embedded Payments: Addressing critical challenges in $25 billion space | Srinivas Nidugondi, EVP & COO - Fintech, Comviva

Embedded payments are revolutionizing the financial landscape by integrating payment solutions into everyday platforms. Moreover, the sector has huge potential to reach a market size of around $25 billion by 2030. Comviva is shaping this transformation with solutions like its mobiquity ONE platform to deliver secure, frictionless experiences. In this episode, we are joined by Srinivas Nidugondi from Comviva, who shared that ensuring the flow is seamless. User interface is of importance now so that user faces less hurdles while transacting. He underlined that to expand the scope of embedded payments, the challenges that digital is not secure need to be addressed. Listen in.

Mental Health: How to answer this Rs 1.1 lakh crore wake-up call | Dr Shyam Bhat, Chairperson of Live Love Laugh

Indian writer Jiddu Krishnamurti famously said, “It is no measure of health to be well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society”, and rightly so. Stress is everywhere, perhaps becoming the biggest crisis of our lifetime. While any health concern is taken seriously, mental health is often ignored. The problem is so big that it costs businesses Rs 1,10,000 crore annually. Clearly, there is a huge gap between awareness and action, along with the internalised shame in the victim. But what can be done to reduce this? In this episode, we are joined by Dr Shyam Bhat, Chairperson of Live Love Laugh, to delve deep into the practical ideas that companies can adopt to bridge this lacuna. He explains how there is no one size fits all approach. Listen in!

Indian Diaspora Powering New Possibilities for India’s Social Sector | Andy Kalambi, Chairperson of the Board, ATREE USA

In this episode, we explore how members of the Indian diaspora are deepening their engagement with India’s social sector. Andy Kalambi, Chairperson of the Board Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment (ATREE) USA, reflects on his philanthropic journey. He shares why he has chosen to center his efforts on biodiversity and natural capital, and how diaspora philanthropy can contribute ideas, expertise, and networks alongside funding to strengthen India’s nonprofits.

Nurturing Community Action Through Family Giving | Swati Apte, Founder, Kshirsagar Apte Foundation & Co-Founder, The Arts Quotient

In this episode, we explore how family philanthropy can spark citizen-led change by nurturing local leadership and strengthening civic participation. Swati Apte, Founder of the Kshirsagar Apte Foundation, reflects on how early experiences with volunteering shaped her approach to giving. She shares the story behind the Mumbai Ekatra initiative, an effort that supports individuals and communities to come together and solve problems they care deeply about.

Funding the energy gap: ENTICE 2.0 investment partners Avaana Capital & AWE funds talk innovative finance

Even as India accelerates towards achieving its climate goals, policy makers need to address a significant funding gap into innovative climate resilient technologies. In this episode of Unusual Suspects, investment partners of the ENTICE 2.0 programme powered by the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet share their insights into how venture capital and private finance can assist the energy transition in India, and how platforms like ENTICE 2.0 meaningfully contribute to climate change mitigation.

Climate tech - Beyond the buzzword to business | ENTICE Alumni Cancrie & Worldomate on evolving out-of-the-box, localised solutions

India needs to align its economic aspirations to its ambitious climate goals. The effects of climate change are upon us even as we speak. The only way to mitigate the crisis is to evolve solutions that are responsive, scalable and sustainable. Climate technology is a key tool in the efforts to cool the planet. In this episode, we speak to the co-founders of Cancrie and Worldomate – two innovators in India’s buzzing startup ecosystem who are devising creative, localised solutions that address the country’s energy reality. Mahi Singh from Cancrie and Shubham Gujar from Worldomate share learnings and insights from their startup journeys which accelerated ahead with the help of the ENTICE (Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge) programme, powered by the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP). They tell us how a solutions mindset makes a product truly great, why original ideas need to be modified to suit market needs, and how platforms like ENTICE can open doors to a world of possibilities. 

“We are increasingly bringing innovations to the market that provide better care for more people.” | Bharath Sesha, MD, Philips Indian Subcontinent | MC Unusual Suspect

Working at the cutting edge of health technology, Philips has consistently strived to make medical care more accessible and affordable, with patients at the heart of every innovation. In this episode of Unusual Suspects, Bharath Sesha, MD, Philips India, explains why, in a price-sensitive and underserved market, health tech is not just a tool—but a key enabler of universal coverage, better patient care, and a remedy for burnout among healthcare professionals. Find out how Philips is transforming healthcare by leveraging technology to expand access, improve outcomes, and support overburdened systems—truly living up to its mission of “better care for more people.”

Building a scalable, full-stack energy company | Pratik Kamdar, co-founder of Neuron Energy | MC Unusual Suspects

India is witnessing a transformation in urban mobility underpinned by a growing ecosystem of cleantech solutions. Neuron Energy is a key player in this space, focused on building full-stack energy systems for the electric future. On a mission to innovate scalable solutions, Neuron Energy’s co-founder Pratik Kamdar joins us on this episode of Unusual Suspects to chart the course of electric mobility in India and the world. He sheds light on the startup’s experimentation with next-generation battery technologies, such as sodium-ion, which could open new possibilities, marking a pivotal chapter in the unfolding story of electric energy storage systems.

Steering the green transition for a 127-year-old conglomerate | Tejashree Joshi, Head, Environmental Sustainability, Godrej Enterprises Group

At Godrej Enterprises Group, sustainability means business. In this episode of Unusual Suspects, Tejashree Joshi, who heads environmental sustainability at Godrej Enterprises Group, reveals that the business conglomerate has set measurable targets to achieve its decarbonisation goals, including a deadline of 2032 to ensure 50% of its revenues come from green-certified products. True to its 127-year legacy, the group is not only pioneering the sustainability initiative with a ‘GreenCo framework’ for all its businesses and locations, it is also encouraging its partners and vendors to do the same. Tune in to find out how Tejashree’s passion for the planet translates to her work. 

Teaching for Tomorrow: Why education needs more than classrooms

Education is a public good and a standing pillar of any nation's progress. But what makes learning truly effective? And how should teaching be reimagined in today's India? In this episode, Ratna Vishwanathan, CEO of Reach to Teach, discusses how the organisation's work is challenging long-held assumptions about government schools. Drawing on her two-decade civil service career, Ratna shares why systemic change matters more than isolated excellence, how play-based learning can close the foundational literacy gap, and why teachers must be treated as co-creators, not just deliverers of curriculum. Take a listen.

Catalyzing Bharat: The power of patient capital in social innovation|MC Unusual Suspects

Bharat’s underserved communities face unique social challenges that require innovative, scalable solutions. In this episode, Aakanksha Gulati, CEO at ACT Capital Foundation, delves into how venture philanthropy can help mission-aligned social entrepreneurs leverage cutting-edge technology to create social impact at scale. She discusses the significance of patient capital in nurturing early-stage social startups, the importance of empowering founders from within Bharat, and the lessons ACT has learned over the past three years. The conversation also highlights ACT's mission to support the next generation of 'social unicorns' poised to drive meaningful change across the nation.

The evolution of real estate: Navigating shifting tides

The real estate sector in India has undergone significant transformation over the years, influenced by regulatory changes, market cycles, and evolving consumer preferences. From the early 2000s boom to the 2008 crash and the impact of the pandemic, developers face a constantly shifting landscape. As urbanisation and sustainability gain importance, the industry is adapting with trends such as smart homes and co-living spaces. However, this sector encounters both considerable risks and tremendous opportunities. In this episode, Mr. Ranjeeth Rathod, Managing Director of DRA Homes, shares insights on how developers are navigating this evolving landscape and more. Take a listen.

Feeding hope: Inside the mission to fight malnutrition | Unusual Suspects

Millions of children globally face the threat of severe acute malnutrition, and other health challenges. But a quiet revolution is underway, powered by ready-to-use therapeutic foods, or RUTFs. In this episode, we trace how one Indian company, Nuflower, is reshaping access to life-saving nutrition. From science labs to conflict zones, and policy rooms to remote clinics, we explore what it takes to turn innovation into real-world impact. What goes into these therapeutic foods? How are governments and global agencies scaling their reach? And how does a Made-in-India brand find its place in the world’s fight against hunger? Mr. Akshat Khandelwal, founder and CEO of Nuflower Foods, covers all of this and more. Tune in!

Early childhood development and gender equity: Addressing the burden on women caregivers | Unusual Suspects

In this episode, we explore how philanthropy can advance gender equity through investment in early childhood development (ECD)—a sector heavily reliant on women’s unpaid and underpaid care work. Supriya Balakrishnan, Investment Director and India Head at LGT Venture Philanthropy (LGT VP) unpacks why ECD needs to be viewed through a gendered lens, highlighting the burden on women as both caregivers and frontline workers. She delves into the hidden cost of care work, the need to strengthen India’s Anganwadi system, and the critical funding gap limiting large-scale impact.

Who gets funded? Archana Jahagirdar on cracking India's VC code | Unusual Suspects

What does it take for a startup to secure funding in India’s competitive ecosystem? In this episode of 'Unusual Suspects,' Archana Jahagirdar, General Partner at Rukam Capital, decodes the D2C boom, the founder-market fit puzzle, and why some startups fail despite a thriving ecosystem. As one of the few solo female GPs in venture capital, Archana shares insights on the role of VC in the next decade, lessons from startup failures, and how diversity in funding can reshape the ecosystem. With 'Startup Maha Kumbh 2025' on the horizon, Archana also discusses its potential impact on deal-making, partnerships, and India's startup scene. Tune in.

Rethinking gender equity: Engaging boys and men and the role of philanthropy | Unusual Suspects

In this episode, we explore the evolving role of philanthropy in advancing gender equity through an intersectional approach, moving beyond traditional models. Natasha Joshi, Associate Director at Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies (RNP), highlights why engaging men and boys is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of gender equity, alongside efforts to empower women and girls. She unpacks key learnings from RNP’s work, the challenges in funding gender equity, and the need to shift gender norms and address systemic barriers for lasting change.

Walking the Talk: How Corporate Philanthropy Can Drive Gender Equity in India | Unusual Suspects

In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of corporate philanthropy in India. In collaboration with GivingPi, Gayatri Divecha, ESG & Social Impact Leader, reflects on the shifts in India’s CSR landscape over the last decade and highlights the unique role and opportunities CSR presents in advancing gender equity. She shares insights on how companies are integrating gender considerations into their social impact strategies and the approaches that are proving effective.

Funding that works: Rethinking how philanthropy can support women’s economic empowerment | Unusual Suspects

In this episode, we explore what philanthropy can learn from grassroots initiatives that have successfully empowered women as entrepreneurs and economic agents. Tune in for an insightful conversation, in collaboration with GivingPi, with Chetna Gala Sinha, Founder of Mann Deshi Mahila Sahakari Bank - India’s first bank for and by rural women, where she shares her inspiring journey and underscores the critical need for patient capital, trust-based funding, and long-term investments to drive systemic change for women’s economic empowerment.

Mental health in India: What's working, what's failing, what must change | Unusual Suspects

Awareness is only the first step in mental health. What about affordability, accessibility, and real systemic change? In this episode, Anisha Padukone, CEO of the Live Love Laugh Foundation, talks about India's mental health landscape beyond the usual narratives. She discusses how Deepika Padukone's 2015 revelation sparked conversations but why stigma still persists, the urgent need for affordable therapy, and how workplaces and schools must step up. Anisha also shares hard-hitting insights on why rural mental health remains neglected and what policy-level changes are desperately needed. Tune in.

Navigating child safety on a digital playground | Unusual Suspects

One in three Internet users globally are children under the age of 18, says UNESCO report. While the internet is now essential for education and social connection, it also exposes children to significant risks. In India, cybercrimes against children are on the rise—NCRB data revealed 1,823 reported cases in 2022, up from 1,376 the previous year. These include 1,171 cases of cyber pornography or dissemination of inappropriate content, 158 cases of cyberstalking and bullying, and 416 other cyber-related offences. Despite legal frameworks, critical gaps remain, especially in the awareness and education of communities. How can caregivers and local stakeholders play a better role in safeguarding children from online threats? What is the impact of excessive digital exposure on children's mental health?  In this episode, Mr. Rajesh Ranjan Singh, Board Member of ChildFund India, delves into the challenges and strategies needed to protect the next generation in an increasingly digital world.

AI, drug discovery, and the future of healthcare innovation | Unusual Suspects

AI is transforming the world, but how significantly has it revolutionized healthcare? Can it expedite drug discovery, personalize treatment, and reduce costs? In this episode of "Unusual Suspects," we speak with Mr. Raj Babu, the founder and CEO of Agilisium, a leader in AI-driven healthcare innovation. Raj discusses how Agilisium empowers researchers and pharmaceutical companies to address complex challenges, from digitizing supply chains for cell and gene therapy to facilitating breakthroughs in neonatal cancer research. He also discusses the ethical implications of AI, the democratization of innovation, and how startups are creating a more level playing field in healthcare. Take a listen!

Transforming cities with women at the helm | Unusual Suspects

On June 15, 2015, the Modi government launched the Smart Cities Mission, aiming to transform India’s urban landscape with a focus on public safety, water supply, waste management, health, education, and mobility. Despite these efforts, 49% of India’s urban population still lived in slums in 2020, according to World Bank data. The Mahila Housing Trust (MHT) has been bridging this gap since 1994. Working closely with local governments, MHT empowers women in low-income communities to improve their living conditions, access essential services, and build climate resilience. Till date, MHT has transformed lives of over 50 lakh individuals across South Asia. In this episode, Ms. Bharti Bhonsale, Programme Manager at MHT, discusses their work in transforming cities, shaping participatory urban planning, and redefining sustainable living. Tune in.

Modern Leadership, The Future of Work and Human Resources | Unusual Suspects

How are leaders today managing talent and unlocking its full potential? With the rise of blended work environments and the integration of artificial intelligence, the way we work is being redefined. But how exactly is technology cutting through the clutter of transactional tasks? Is it truly paving the way for more creative and innovative roles? In this episode, Pushkaraj Bidwai, CEO of People Matters, the largest community for HR and talent leaders in India and APAC, emphasizes the need to balance innovation with business impact, foster inclusive teams, and adapt to constant change. He sheds light on how leadership today goes beyond guiding teams. It's about illuminating the path to a future full of new opportunities. Pushkar also discusses the future of the HR industry. Tune in to discover more.