YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS IN THE SPOTLIGHT: PARV BHADRA & SACHIT SINGH JUNEJA

When I look at the world, I see so much potential in how we as a species can make this planet work—improving on where we are right now to take it stronger into the future. I’m extremely lucky that my time and interactions heading Microsoft for Startups have helped me meet some of the most creative and brilliant minds from all ages and backgrounds! These young and budding entrepreneurs are forging new and innovative ideas with the potential to turn existing global issues around.

Parv Bhadra and Sachit Singh Juneja from GEMS Modern Academy Dubai are two young names behind the startup, Meraki Power. Mentoring them on their startup journey has been a remarkable experience unlike any other. Seeing the growth, ambition, and dedication of Meraki Power for creating renewable energy has made me proud, especially now that their company has been identified for its huge potential by DubaiNEXT—a UAE government-led crowdfunding platform. They’ve started young (just 14!), and the pace at which they are going, I’m betting on them as the next Elon Musks of our region and the near future. Meraki Power: A game-changer

Parv and Sachit have come up with a super innovative idea for an alternative energy source that will leave a zero-carbon footprint while reducing bills for the public. As an absolute win-win, the idea makes use of the waste heating or cooling in buildings to generate renewable power. Unlike solar cells, by operating on the Seebeck effect, Meraki Power will convert the temperature difference that exists between the interior and exterior environments into energy. In a place like the UAE, where there is extreme heat, this technology will be a game-changer due to the huge temperature gradient—with the potential to produce unlimited energy 24/7. What could be better? Through challenges come the rewards

Both boys have a thirst for innovation that they have nurtured since grade 7. They are right to call themselves “serial innovators” because, at just 14 years of age, they not only have their whole entrepreneurial lives ahead of them but are already on the verge of changing the world!

As their mentor, I have had the privilege to see their idea grow to fruition. Without a doubt, Parv and Sachit have had their fair share of challenges. Working on their prototype on Zoom through strict lockdowns, they sourced supplies through third parties and coordinated remotely to convert their ideas into a physical reality. But only by facing tough situations can you arrive at great rewards. Now they are on the road to public acclaim and recognition through DubaiNEXT. It builds on their accolades at school and at national and international platforms as Meraki Power and its ideas spread beyond their initial expectations.

At such a young age, Sachit and Parv already have six success stories under their belt—and we at Microsoft for Startups live for such strong willpower to change the world. From the Juniors’ Category at the GEMS Innovation Mela 2017 to the GEMS Xcelerator Program 2020, these young entrepreneurs have been winners on every level. DubaiNEXT: A big win

As the boys get ready for what comes next, I am supremely excited about them being a part of DubaiNEXT. By being highlighted at such a renowned platform, they can gather the funds they need for the next phase of Meraki Power’s growth. It will allow them to create an even better prototype for the market, research finer material, and perfect their design for installation. I am hoping that these upgrades will help them reach countries like Canada and England, where solar cells do not help much due to environmental restrictions. With Meraki Power, a global advancement towards renewable energy can be achieved.

With support from Microsoft for Startups and DubaiNEXT’s crowdfunding, Meraki Power expects to get commercialized on a wider scale. That will help position it for further growth through partnerships with builders like Nakheel, Sobha Developers, Emaar, etc., energy companies like DEWA, SEWA, etc., and distribution channels like ACE Hardware and Ikea.

Having seen many youngsters with potential work their way to success, I firmly believe that where there is a will, there is a way. The idea for Meraki Power came to these kids on a random sunny day while they were exiting their building and noticed the significant indoor-outdoor temperature difference. A simple situation turned into an innovative solution for a global crisis. I believe that with the right mentoring, any dream is achievable, and that is what MS for Startups is all about. I hope to see a great deal of growth in this excellent project, and I am proud to be helping amazing youngsters like Parv and Sachit to come into their own as entrepreneurs.