Payal Parekh

Indian social entrepreneur revolutionizing waste management through circular economy innovations

Payal Parekh (b. 1985) is the founder of Wastezon, an Indian tech startup transforming urban waste systems through blockchain and AI solutions. Her company's platform connects 500+ waste pickers with businesses in 15 cities, diverting 12,000 tons of waste from landfills annually. This circular economy model has created dignified livelihoods for marginalized waste workers while reducing carbon emissions by 30,000 tons yearly - equivalent to planting 2.5 million trees.

After working in corporate finance for Goldman Sachs, Parekh left in 2016 to address India's waste crisis. Her TED Talk revealed that India generates 100,000 tons of waste daily but recycles only 22%. Wastezon's blockchain system ensures fair payment for informal waste workers while providing businesses with verified sustainability metrics. The platform's AI-powered sorting technology achieves 98% accuracy in material separation.

Parekh's impact extends through policy influence - her data helped draft Maharashtra's 2021 Extended Producer Responsibility guidelines. She mentors female entrepreneurs through the UN Women's Innovation Network, training 300+ women in tech-driven social ventures. Her work has been featured in The Guardian's '100 Women' list and Fast Company's Most Creative People in Business.