Ajinkya Desai is a BITS Pilani (Pilani,’15) postgraduate in ME Chemical Engineering. He has carved a successful path in environmental innovation. With a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Savitribai Phule University, Pune, Ajinkya's passion for chemical engineering has been a driving force throughout his career.

As the co-founder of GreEnviro, a leading provider of high-quality technical services in environmental, chemical, and biological sciences, Ajinkya leverages his expertise to address pressing environmental challenges. His educational journey at BITS Pilani equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to explore related fields and apply his insights to real-world problems.

What motivated you to pursue a master’s degree at BITS Pilani after completing your bachelor’s in chemical engineering? Did you have a particular career goal in mind at the time?

I decided on BITS Pilani mainly because of its strong alumni network and its history of supporting entrepreneurs. Even though I wasn’t sure about the exact path in entrepreneurship at the time, I knew that BITS offered a great environment and resources for exploring different opportunities. This combination made it an ideal place for me.

How was studying at BITS Pilani different from your undergraduate experience? What aspects of your time there were most memorable for you?

Studying at BITS Pilani was quite different due to its zero-attendance policy, which allowed for a more flexible approach to learning. I especially enjoyed connecting with peers who had impressive memories and insights. This freedom to explore and the diverse community were standout features of my time there.

Can you share a project or research during your master’s that had a significant impact on your career? How did the knowledge and skills from your master’s degree contribute to your professional success today?

One impactful project was working on microbial strain identification for CO₂ reduction. This project gave me hands-on experience with microbes, which has been very useful in my current role at GreEnviro. The skills and knowledge from this research have directly applied to our work in wastewater treatment and environmental solutions.

What was a surprising or unexpected lesson you learned during your master’s program that you've applied in your professional life?

An unexpected lesson was the value of focusing on short-term goals rather than just long-term plans. Prioritizing immediate, actionable tasks has proven to be more effective in managing projects and achieving results. This approach has been particularly useful in my professional work.

How did your time at BITS Pilani help you transition from studying to your roles at GreEnviro?

The extreme weather conditions at BITS Pilani, from scorching summers to chilly winters, were a great lesson in resilience. This experience taught me to handle various challenges and maintain focus, which has been crucial and extremely helpful in navigating the ups and downs in my role at GreEnviro.

How did your background in chemical engineering and your master’s degree align with the work you do now?

At GreEnviro, we address wastewater recycling challenges for industries like chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food & dairy. Since water is a universal solvent, cleaning it to make it reusable involves understanding water chemistry and separation processes like filtration, distillation, and scrubbing. The knowledge I gained from my chemical engineering background and my master’s degree at BITS Pilani is essential for this work. The advanced training, I received helps us design effective water and wastewater treatment systems and tackle complex contamination issues effectively.

Looking back, would you recommend pursuing a master’s degree to others in your field? What advice would you give to someone considering a similar path?

I definitely recommend pursuing a master’s degree for those seeking to deepen their expertise and advance their careers. My advice is to immerse yourself in learning, be patient, and seize opportunities when they arise. Building a strong professional network can also significantly enhance career growth.

Could you share some challenges you’ve faced in your career, especially in your roles at GreEnviro, and how you overcame them?

At GreEnviro, we often face challenges with diverse industrial waste streams. We address these by thoroughly understanding the specific issues at hand and developing tailored solutions. A problem-solving mindset and a focus on innovation are essential in overcoming these challenges. We believe that the solution to the problem arises from understanding the source of the problem.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career so far, and what keeps you motivated?

Working in environmental sustainability has been the most rewarding part of my career. Contributing to meaningful projects and seeing their positive impact on improving quality of life is truly fulfilling. This sense of purpose and the opportunity to drive positive change keep me motivated and committed to my work in environmental solutions.

How do you stay updated with industry trends and continue to grow professionally in your field?

To stay current in my field, I regularly read magazines, weekly publications, news articles, and online threads. I also make it a point to attend conferences, exhibitions, and trade shows. These activities help me keep up with the latest developments and innovations. Staying engaged with industry trends and continuously learning are essential for professional growth.