Aerospec: The Venture Leader Cleantech improving air quality

27.09.2024 08:30, Rita Longobardi

Meet Nikunj Dudani, Co-Founder of Aerospec. The Cleantech startup empowers industries and governments to create a cleaner and healthier world through smart data and insights into particulate matter (PM) pollution. In November, Nikunj and the other nine Swiss National Cleantech Team members will travel to Munich on a business development and investor roadshow.

Name: Nikunj Dudani
Location: Lausanne 
Nationality: Indian 
Graduated from: EPFL, CH (PhD), BITS Pilani, IN (Mechanical and Chemical Engineering)
Job title: Co-Founder & CEO
Number of employees: 4 
Money raised: CHF 500k 
First touchpoint with Venturelab: Venture Kick in 2023


Can you tell us who your product or solution helps, and how?
Aerospec's AIR monitor empowers governments and industries to tackle particulate matter (PM) pollution. Unlike traditional systems, our technology provides detailed, continuous data on pollutants, including their chemical makeup and origins. This comprehensive information helps governments implement targeted policies for public health protection and environmental safety. For industries, it ensures compliance with regulations, helping them avoid penalties and promote sustainable practices.

What market are you addressing and what is the potential of your startup in that market?
We target the air quality monitoring market, crucial for addressing the impacts of air pollution on health and the environment. Our focus includes both outdoor and indoor PM monitoring, where current solutions lack detailed data. Our applications span governmental air quality networks, industrial compliance, and workplace safety. With a market value of around USD 5 billion annually, this sector is poised for significant growth as awareness and regulations increase. Aerospec’s innovative solutions offer a unique value proposition, positioning us to lead in meeting the rising demand for advanced air quality monitoring technologies.

How and where did you come up with the idea for your startup?
The idea for Aerospec emerged during the second year of my PhD at EPFL in 2017. After my first-year exam for the PhD, I discussed the potential of a startup with my supervisor and now co-founder, Dr. Satoshi Takahama. We decided to spin off from the PhD work, even though it meant prioritizing patents over publications, which was a significant risk. Coming from a family business background in India, I left my father's business to pursue a PhD. The startup opportunity was a perfect blend of cutting-edge technology and business, fueling my motivation to take on the challenges.

What do you expect from the Venture Leaders Cleantech roadshow, and how will it help you achieve your vision?
The Venture Leaders Cleantech roadshow offers a valuable opportunity to explore the European market and investment landscape. While Aerospec serves a global market, our European connections have been pivotal, including our first pilot in Juelich, Germany. The roadshow brings together industry experts, market specialists, and investors, providing crucial support for our pre-commercial sales efforts and upcoming seed round financing. This exposure will help us refine our market strategy for Germany and Europe, secure key partnerships, and attract the investment needed to scale our operations and impact.

What are your team’s key achievements to date?
Our team has achieved several significant milestones worth celebrating. Notable highlights include the successful development and testing of our prototype, advancing to a pre-commercial product design, and securing funding before the seed round. Additionally, all our team members have built valuable relationships through incubators and conferences, connecting with key clients and advisors who are instrumental to our growth. These achievements reflect our collective effort and dedication, positioning us well for future success.

What is the most challenging and rewarding aspect of being a founder?
The biggest challenge was establishing the company as an entity with its vision, values and personality. By 2022, the most rewarding aspect was seeing Aerospec develop its own identity, akin to character building in theatre, which I've found invaluable. This practice aids in making balanced decisions, building a cohesive team, and engaging effectively with stakeholders.

What is the most important lesson you have learned as a founder?
One crucial lesson is that different stakeholders in a tech startup speak different languages. It's essential to understand the values of each group—clients, key opinion leaders, technical and business teams, and investors. Founders need to be effective translators, bridging these differences to create real value.

What is your favourite productivity hack/tool and why?
I find the ‘pomodoro technique’ particularly useful, especially given the frequent context switching required in my role. Additionally, task scheduling for short-, medium-, and long-term objectives helps me keep track of plans and adapt to the dynamic nature of startups.

What was your dream job when you were a child?
My childhood dream jobs varied widely—from the usual aspirations of being a teacher or astronaut to more specific roles like programmer and rocket scientist. I also spent years in theatre acting and playing guitar, even considering careers as an actor or musician for a time. However, as I gained more knowledge and experience, I realized that the concept of a "dream job" evolves. Now, my goal is to add significant value to the world through science, business, and administration, leveraging my diverse interests and skills.