Two engineering students turned entrepreneurs, Tanvi Thombre and Lakshya Saraf, have launched Greenairy, a startup focused on combating indoor air pollution through bio-engineered plant towers. The company is set to present its technology at TechCrunch Disrupt as part of the Startup Battlefield 200.
The founders’ interest in air quality began during their university years in Singapore, where they worked in a makerspace equipped with air purifiers. Despite these devices, Thombre and Saraf were unknowingly exposed to harmful fumes from laser cutters, 3D printers, and soldering irons. The danger became apparent when a friend fainted and required hospitalization, prompting the pair to investigate the hidden health risks associated with poorly ventilated commercial buildings.
While standard air purifiers are effective at filtering particulate matter such as dust and pollen, they often struggle to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These gases, which include carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and benzene, are emitted by various office materials and equipment. Thombre noted that exposure to VOCs is linked to “sick building syndrome” and chronic health issues, while also citing Harvard research indicating that better indoor air quality can significantly boost cognitive function and productivity.
Greenairy’s solution involves vertical plant towers designed to accelerate the natural air-cleansing process of vegetation. According to Saraf, a typical potted plant cleans air slowly, but by optimizing the environment around the plant, the towers can filter toxins much more efficiently than conventional methods. The system uses microbial action within the plant medium to break down gases, releasing purified air without the need for filter replacements or the creation of harmful byproducts.
In pilot programs conducted in Singapore, the startup compared its towers against offices using medical-grade ionizers and HEPA air purifiers. Using RESET-certified air monitors, the team found that the Greenairy towers achieved the lowest VOC levels and removed contaminants the fastest. Staff reported an immediate improvement in air quality, with data showing a 50% reduction in both daily average and peak VOC levels during regular office hours. Thombre added that performance continues to improve as the plants and microbial cultures mature.
The company’s results have been validated by the German testing firm TÜV SÜD, with full reports expected to be published soon. Currently, the founders operate remotely, with Saraf based in Berkeley, California, focusing on fundraising, and Thombre in Singapore managing testing and development.
Both founders plan to relocate to Singapore by the first half of 2027. This move coincides with the company’s goal to begin large-scale manufacturing and install the first mass-produced towers for commercial customers in the region.
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