Introduction: A Filtered Vision for a Cleaner Tomorrow

In a world increasingly suffocated by pollution, innovation often begins with personal conviction. For Prateek Sharma, that conviction transformed into Nanoclean, a pioneering deep tech startup launched in 2017 with a mission to provide affordable, accessible air filtration solutions. Speaking with Bhumika Rawat, Prateek recounted Nanoclean’s origin story, its growth amid adversity, and his personal ethos that continues to guide the company toward new horizons—from air to water and even coffee.

Chapter 1: Breathing Life Into Deep Tech Innovation

Founded out of a pressing need to combat rising pollution levels, Nanoclean’s journey began with the launch of Nasofilters—an innovative nose filter that blocks harmful pollutants while remaining nearly invisible and highly affordable. The company’s portfolio expanded rapidly to include AC filters and is now on the verge of entering new verticals like coffee filters and affordable water purification technologies.

“We wanted to offer an alternative to imported products—high-quality, cost-effective, and made in India,” Prateek said. The company’s commitment to local manufacturing and innovation has not only set it apart in the filtration market but also earned recognition for being operationally profitable—a rarity among early-stage deep tech ventures.

Chapter 2: Challenges, Resilience, and a Pandemic Pivot

No startup story is complete without its trials, and for Nanoclean, the COVID-19 pandemic posed the biggest challenge. The government’s export ban on essential items disrupted the company’s plans, but Prateek turned the crisis into an opportunity by refocusing on domestic sales. “It forced us to relook at local markets and expand awareness within India itself,” he noted.

Despite the turbulent market conditions, the startup received substantial research and development grants from government organizations. This support acted as a critical enabler in ensuring that innovation didn’t stall during trying times.

Chapter 3: Humility, Hustle, and Holding the Long View

Beyond tech and tactics, Prateek credits Nanoclean’s steady growth to a leadership philosophy rooted in humility and purpose. A chance encounter with Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan left a lasting impression on him. “Despite his stature, he was so grounded—it reminded me that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of humility,” he reflected.

To fellow deep tech innovators in India, Prateek offered a threefold mantra: passion, patience, and perseverance. According to him, these values are not just motivational catch phrases but critical ingredients for solving India’s most persistent problems through science-led entrepreneurship.

Conclusion: A Cleaner Future, One Innovation at a Time

As Nanoclean prepares to launch its new coffee and water filtration products, its core mission remains unchanged—democratizing access to cleaner air and water. The startup’s success is a testament to what is possible when scientific rigor meets personal conviction, supported by a growing Indian startup ecosystem.