Key information
Founders Tanvi Thombre and Lakshya Saraf established Greenairy to address indoor air quality concerns after experiencing health issues linked to toxic fumes in a university makerspace. The startup focuses on removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde and benzene, which standard air purifiers often struggle to eliminate effectively.
Greenairy utilizes specialized plant towers designed to accelerate the natural air-purifying capabilities of plants. By modifying the environment around the vegetation, the system reportedly breaks down toxic gases more efficiently than traditional potted plants, eliminating the need for frequent filter replacements associated with conventional air purifiers.
In pilot tests conducted in Singapore, the company compared its towers against medical-grade ionizers and HEPA purifiers. According to Saraf, the Greenairy towers achieved the lowest VOC levels and the fastest removal rates. Thombre reported a 50% reduction in daily average and peak VOC levels, with performance improving as plants and microbes mature.
The startup has had its findings validated by the German firm TÜV SÜD and plans to initiate large-scale manufacturing following official certification. While the founders currently operate between Berkeley and Singapore, they aim to launch mass-produced units for customers in Singapore by the first half of 2027.
