Bangalore: Imagine a humble product, once cast aside in a reality TV show, now making waves and bringing about a positive, tangible change. That’s precisely the story of the water-saving product embraced by Nithin Kamath, the dynamic CEO and co-founder of Zerodha, India’s largest online brokerage firm.
A Surprising Twist of Fate
Nithin Kamath has surprised many by championing a rejected product from the popular business reality show, Shark Tank India. The product, manufactured by Ekam Eco Solutions, had been introduced on the show but didn’t quite make the cut. Fast forward, and Kamath credits it with slashing his office water bills by 50%, a testament to the product’s ingenuity and effectiveness.
Small Change, Big Impact
In a world increasingly aware of resource conservation, every drop counts. Kamath’s implementation of this simple upgrade in the men’s urinals at Zerodha’s Bangalore office is making a significant difference. Not just in terms of cost-saving, but also in demonstrating corporate responsibility towards resource conservation, a cause extremely relevant in water-deprived Bangalore.
“Our water bills are down 50%—we did not expect it to be this much,” Kamath shared on social media. His revelation wasn’t just a testament to the product’s effectiveness but also a call to action to other businesses that tend to overlook such simple measures.
Bangalore’s Water Woes: A Persistent Challenge
As one of India’s premier cities, Bangalore is no stranger to water scarcity. With rapid urbanization, the demand for water has skyrocketed, leading to multiple predictions about probable shortages in the near future. Areas like Whitefield and South-East Bangalore are already experiencing a decline in water availability. Nithin Kamath’s water-saving strategy comes at a time when responsible water management is more critical than ever before.
Eco Solutions: A Savvy Move for The Future
The product in question, called Zerodor, is a retrofit device that transforms a conventional flushing urinal into a waterless one. The genius of Zerodor lies in its simplicity and effectiveness, offering an innovative solution for modern urban water conservation challenges. While the product didn’t shine in its Shark Tank India debut, Kamath’s decision has highlighted its potential to make a wide-reaching impact.
We have been using Zerodor for the men’s urinals at our offices for the last six months or so. Our water bills are down 50%—we did not expect it to be this much.
— Nithin Kamath (@Nithin0dha)
See the full Twitter discussion here
Despite the initial setback on national television, Uttam Banerjee, the founder of Ekam Eco Solutions, has a success story to be proud of. His innovation not only saves water but also combats odors effectively, making it a practical choice for businesses keen on sustainable practices.
An Offer That Never Was
On the episode of Shark Tank India featuring Zerodor, most of the judges were not sold on the idea. Yet, there was a glimmer of hope when Piyush Bansal, another entrepreneur, offered Banerjee funding in exchange for a significant stake and exclusive focus on the product. However, Banerjee chose not to accept the deal, sticking to his broader vision.
A Layered Success Story
This chapter in Zerodor’s journey is more than just a business strategy for Kamath. It’s a story of resilience, the potential of overlooked innovations, and a reminder of our responsibility towards sustainable resource management. In a city thirsting for water savvy solutions, Zerodha’s steps towards curbing resource depletion not only serve their immediate environment but set an example for others to follow.
As the need for more sustainable practices grows, Kamath’s embrace of Zerodor is a shining example that sometimes, the solutions to our most pressing issues can come from the most unexpected places.
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