Sujeet Kumar

Pioneered low-cost water purification technology impacting millions in India

Sujeet Kumar is a visionary social entrepreneur from India whose innovative approach to water purification has transformed lives across the subcontinent. In 2020, he launched Frogworks, a startup creating portable water purifiers using locally sourced materials. His flagship product 'Frog-01' uses a unique combination of sand, charcoal and cloth to remove 99.99% of contaminants at a cost 10x lower than traditional systems. This breakthrough technology has provided clean water access to over 500,000 people in rural areas through a community-based distribution model.

Kumar's work addresses India's critical water crisis where 63 million people lack safe drinking water. His approach combines frugal engineering with sustainable business practices, ensuring affordability while maintaining quality. The World Health Organization recognized his innovation in 2022 as part of their Global Water Quality Initiative.

What makes Kumar exceptional is his focus on empowering communities through training local technicians. Over 1,200 women have been trained as 'Water Warriors' to maintain and distribute the purifiers, creating economic opportunities alongside health benefits. His methods have inspired similar initiatives in Bangladesh and Nepal, demonstrating scalable solutions for developing nations.