Air pollution is one of the most pressing issues of our time, yet its invisible nature often makes it a silent danger. While outdoor air pollution frequently captures attention, indoor air quality can be just as harmful, if not worse.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that indoor air pollution contributes to over 3 million premature deaths annually.
Everyday pollutants like dust, pollen, and harmful particles such as PM2.5 and PM10 lurk inside our homes and offices, compromising the air we breathe.
While traditional air purifiers are often seen as a solution, Ravi Kaushik envisioned a different approach: using existing household appliances to address the issue.
The Journey to Cleaner Air
In 2020, Ravi, an IIT Bombay MBA and Kurukshetra University BTech graduate, observed the rising indoor air pollution challenges and sought a simple and practical solution.
Instead of introducing another bulky device, he asked a crucial question—why not repurpose air conditioners, already present in many homes, to clean indoor air effectively?
This idea formed the foundation of Airth, a company that offers an easy-to-install filter for air conditioners. The filter, priced under ₹3,000, is designed to remove harmful pollutants, bacteria, and even viruses. It attaches directly to the AC’s inlet grill and enhances air quality while the AC operates, making it a straightforward and accessible solution.
Airth’s filters are built with advanced HEPA technology, developed in collaboration with researchers from IIT Kanpur and IISc. These filters are capable of capturing particles as small as 0.3 microns and include coatings made with materials such as polyphenols.
Once installed, the filter visibly improves air quality, reducing odors, allergens, and pollutants within minutes. Its lightweight, durable design ensures that it is user-friendly and lasts between 8 and 12 months, requiring minimal upkeep.
This solution is especially suitable for rooms up to 250 square feet, such as bedrooms, living rooms, or small offices. Alongside its air-purifying benefits, the filter helps minimize dust accumulation in AC units, potentially reducing the need for frequent maintenance.
Impact and Growth
The company, as reported by Tracxn, has raised $265,000 funding across three rounds, including a seed round in September 2022 that raised $18.4K, valuing the company at $2 million post-investment.
The brand is set to feature in Shark Tank India Season 4 soon.
For Ravi, Airth was not just a business opportunity but a response to an often-overlooked public health issue.
