Revolutionizing Workplace Air Quality with Greenairy’s Smart Plant Towers
How clean is the air in your workplace? This question sparked a crucial investigation by engineering students Tanvi Thombre and Lakshya Saraf during their time working in their university makerspace. Their firsthand experience with invisible but harmful indoor pollutants led them to develop an innovative solution aimed at improving air quality in commercial spaces.
Thombre recalls that while working in the makerspace, they were unknowingly exposed to toxic fumes released by equipment such as laser cutters, 3D printers, and soldering irons. The severity of the issue became clear when her best friend fainted and required hospitalization. This alarming incident motivated the duo to delve deeper into the problem of indoor air pollution, which they soon realized was a hidden yet significant health risk in environments like schools, offices, hotels, and salons—particularly in buildings where air-conditioning systems prevent windows from being opened.
Despite the presence of air purifiers in their makerspace, Thombre and Saraf discovered that many existing devices primarily filter particulate matter like dust and pollen but fall short of effectively removing toxic gases. Saraf explains that harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and benzene, persist despite conventional air purification methods. These VOCs are chemicals that easily evaporate into the air and pose long-term health risks.
The Hidden Danger of VOCs
VOCs have been linked to chronic illnesses and a phenomenon called “sick building syndrome,” where occupants experience adverse health effects without a clearly identifiable cause. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, this syndrome can severely impact comfort and well-being in indoor environments (EPA Sick Building Factsheet).
Further emphasizing the stakes, research from Harvard University has demonstrated that improving indoor air quality can significantly boost cognitive function and workplace productivity (Harvard Healthy Buildings), underscoring the need for better solutions to tackle indoor air pollutants.
Greenairy’s Natural Solution: Smart Plant Towers
In response to these challenges, Thombre and Saraf co-founded Greenairy, a startup that reimagines air purification through nature-inspired technology. Their flagship product is a plant tower designed to actively draw in air, break down toxic gases, and release purified air back into the environment. Unlike a typical potted plant, which cleans air at a slow pace, these towers optimize environmental conditions to accelerate and enhance the air-cleaning process.
Saraf explains, “A plant in a pot cleans air slowly. But, when we change the conditions around the plant, it cleans air much faster and better than these conventional methods.” This approach leverages natural processes without producing the harmful byproducts associated with some traditional air purifiers. Moreover, unlike air purifier filters that require frequent replacement to maintain effectiveness against VOCs, these plant towers operate sustainably without the need for ongoing filter changes.
Proven Results and Validation
Greenairy has conducted pilot programs across several Singaporean offices, using RESET-certified air monitors to measure air quality. Their tests compared three types of air treatment: Greenairy’s plant towers, a medical-grade ionizer, and a HEPA air purifier. Saraf reports, “Our tower had the lowest VOC levels and removed VOCs the fastest.” Additionally, office staff appreciated the natural “fresh” aroma and calming atmosphere the towers created.
Thombre noted a remarkable 50% reduction in both daily average and peak VOC levels during regular office hours, with effectiveness expected to improve further as the plants and associated microbes mature, preventing gas accumulation. These outcomes point to a scalable and sustainable method to improve indoor air quality.
Adding to the credibility, Greenairy’s results have been validated by the renowned German certification firm TÜV SÜD, with official publications forthcoming. The startup plans to begin large-scale manufacturing following certification, aiming for a commercial launch in Singapore by the first half of 2027.
Global Collaboration and Future Plans
Currently, the founders manage their startup from opposite sides of the globe—Saraf in Berkeley, California, focusing on fundraising, and Thombre in Singapore, overseeing testing and pilots. This arrangement allows them to efficiently develop and validate their technology while preparing for market entry.
“If things go to plan, both of us will be in Singapore by the first half of 2027,” Saraf shared. “That’s when we expect to launch our first mass-produced towers and install them for our first customers.”
Those interested can learn more about Greenairy and other innovative startups at this year’s TechCrunch Disrupt, where Greenairy will participate in the Startup Battlefield 200, showcasing the future of clean air technology.
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