Careers in Impact & Sustainability
July 17, 2026 | T-Hub
Shaping a Better Tomorrow
AndPurpose FutureMakers Lab! is a pathway to climate, sustainability, and impact careers, to build a future that the world needs.
We bring students, young professionals, career transitioners, and the institutions that hire them into one room – through forums, sector tables, and innovation challenges designed to make pathways into the impact economy visible, navigable, and real.
Built in partnership with EcoHQ. Anchored by the AndPurpose ecosystem – 600+ leaders, 50+ speakers, and 600M+ in media reach across our 2025 forums in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Meraj Faheem is a serial entrepreneur, built India's first coding bootcamp - The Hacking School (now known as Code.in), acquired by College Australia. He also built India's largest incubator for student founders - EdVenture Park. At Telangana State Innovation, he's leading the movement to decentralise the innovation ecosystem taking it beyond Tier 1, and curate communities that are consciously building for the future.
SPEAKERS
Smriti Banka is passionate about turning ideas into action for people and the planet. Through her work in sustainability, community building, and strategic marketing, she brings together diverse stakeholders to create meaningful impact. She currently works with Banka Bio and serves as Vice Curator of Global Shapers Hyderabad.
Shanmukhi is an electronics engineering student and deep tech enthusiast who has been
driving strategic social impact in various capacities since the age of 16. She thrives at the
intersectional spaces where emerging technology, sustainability, and human-centric design
meet.
Currently serving as the Impact Officer for the Global Shapers Hyderabad Hub, Shanmukhi has
been an active Shaper for nearly two years. Her leadership extends to the global tech
ecosystem, where she has served as the Head of APAC Operations for an AI Foundation. In this
role, she managed regional strategy and community governance, gaining a deep, practical
understanding of cultural nuances and community dynamics across the Asia-Pacific region.
She has successfully hosted panel discussions on Climate & Technology (focusing on real-world
sustainability innovations) and critical dialogues on Mental Health. Bridging STEM rigor with
global operational leadership, she is uniquely positioned to facilitate nuanced, forward-thinking
conversations on career pathways, ecosystem building, and community-led impact.
driving strategic social impact in various capacities since the age of 16. She thrives at the
intersectional spaces where emerging technology, sustainability, and human-centric design
meet.
Currently serving as the Impact Officer for the Global Shapers Hyderabad Hub, Shanmukhi has
been an active Shaper for nearly two years. Her leadership extends to the global tech
ecosystem, where she has served as the Head of APAC Operations for an AI Foundation. In this
role, she managed regional strategy and community governance, gaining a deep, practical
understanding of cultural nuances and community dynamics across the Asia-Pacific region.
She has successfully hosted panel discussions on Climate & Technology (focusing on real-world
sustainability innovations) and critical dialogues on Mental Health. Bridging STEM rigor with
global operational leadership, she is uniquely positioned to facilitate nuanced, forward-thinking
conversations on career pathways, ecosystem building, and community-led impact.
Dr. Y. Malini Reddy is the Head of Business Solutions & Strategy and the Consultancy Business at Re Sustainability Ltd. With over 28 years of experience in sustainability, research, consulting, and policy, she has worked across Asia and Africa in sectors including circular economy, waste management, climate resilience, WASH, hospitality, and manufacturing.
She has partnered with governments, businesses, development finance institutions, NGOs, and philanthropic organizations to design strategies that advance sustainability, resource efficiency, and inclusive growth. At Re Sustainability, she leads strategic advisory, integrated sustainability solutions, and thought leadership, helping organizations accelerate their transition to a circular, low-carbon, and resilient future.
Dr. Anushree Poddar is an academic leader and sustainability professional working at the intersection of business, education, and sustainable development. At Masters’ Union, she plays a key role in shaping the Post Graduate Programme in Sustainability & Business Management, bringing industry perspectives and real-world sustainability challenges into the learning experience. Her work focuses on sustainability-led business transformation, innovation, and developing future-ready leaders for the climate economy.
Aishwarya Srinivasan is the Lead of Policy and Strategy at G. Narayanamma Institute of Technology and Science (GNITS) in Hyderabad, a role she assumed in 2023. With a strong background in public policy and strategic planning, she has contributed to various organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Asia-Pacific region, where with Youth Co:Lab. She has also held positions at Nikore Associates and Teach For India, focusing on economics research and recruitment. Aishwarya holds a Master's degree from the Kautilya School of Public Policy, and also serves as the Curator for the Global Shapers Community in Hyderabad.
Agenda
July 17th – T-Hub, 9AM -2 PM
09:15 AM – 09:30 AM - Future Outlook - Opening Remarks
Opening Remarks & Setting the Context: The Future of Work, Climate, AI, and Impact Careers
Keynote by Meraj Faheem, CEO of Telangana State Innovation Council (TGIC)
09:30 AM – 11 AM - Career Discovery Workshop by TopRankers Udaan & Masters’ Union
Career Discovery Workshop –
Facilitated by Aditya Bose, Product Owner, TopRankers Udaan,
Co-facilitated by Anushree Poddar, Programme Director, PGP Sustainability & Business Head, Masters’ Union
11:00 AM to 11: 15 AM - Networking Break
Tea, Coffee & Networking Break
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM - Panel: Future-Ready Careers
Uncensored! Future-Ready Careers: What Employers, Founders and Investors Are Looking For in Sustainability & Impact
- Dr. Malini Reddy – Head of Business Solutions & Strategy, Re Sustainability
- Jeeten Desai – Founder, Ambiator
- Shramay Jha – Investor, Pavestone VC
- Aishwarya Srinivasan – Policy & Strategy Lead, G Narayanamma Institute of Technology and Sciences | Curator, Global Shapers Hyderabad
Session Moderated by Deepa Sai – Founder, EcoHQ
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM - Hot Tables - Future Makers Circles!
Sector Champions Tables: Climate & Sustainability, Entrepreneurship & Startups, Venture Capital & Investing, Social Impact & Development
- The ClimatAct Initiative
- Ambiator
- Pavestone VC
- Re Sustainability
- Global Shapers Hyderabad
- Hyderbadi Thrifters & ESI Sustainable Solutions
12:45 PM – 1:30 PM – QS ImpACT SDG Pitch Challenge
Hosted in partnership with QS ImpACT, a UNEP-accredited and UK-registered global charity and the social impact arm of QS Quacquarelli Symonds, empowering young people worldwide through sustainability, innovation, and leadership programmes aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Student teams will pitch their SDG-focused ideas to a judging panel, with the top teams winning complimentary passes to the QS ImpACT Youth Summit 2026 in London.
Hosted by QS ImpACT
SDG Pitch Innovation Challenge Jury Members:
- Aashna Shah, Managing Director, QS ImpACT
- Anushree Poddar, Masters Union
- Deepa Sai, Director, EcoHQ
1:30 PM – 1: 45 PM - Closing Note & Networking
Delivered by Kamna Hazrati, Founder of AndPurpose
Futuremakers Lab
- Valid for Students Only
- Access to All Sessions of FutureMakers Lab!
- Opportunity to Pitch at the SDG Innovation Challenge, powered by QS Impact
- Access to All Sessions of FutureMakers Lab!
- Opportunity to Pitch at the SDG Innovation Challenge, powered by QS Impact
INR 499
Ecosystem Partners
Career Partners
Technology Partners
SDG Partners
Knowledge Partners
Academic Partners
Network Partners
We cannot always build the future for our Youth, but we can build the Youth for our Future.
The Problem
The impact economy is hiring. Most people don’t know how to get in.
Climate tech, ESG, sustainability consulting, climate finance, circular economy, carbon markets, impact communications – entire industries are scaling, and they’re scaling fast.
But for students and professionals trying to find their way in, the ecosystem feels fragmented. Courses everywhere. Job boards scattered. Communities siloed. And the most important conversations – the ones that actually translate into careers – are happening behind closed doors.
FutureMakers Lab exists to change that.
What we do differently
Other platforms list jobs. We get you in the room.
Other platforms aggregate listings. Other bootcamps teach skills. We do those things too – and we do something they can’t.
The CEOs, founders, CXOs, investors, and ecosystem leaders who shape India’s climate and impact economy already convene at AndPurpose Forums. FutureMakers Lab is the bridge that puts the next generation of talent into that same room – through curated forums, sector tables, hiring labs, and mentorship moments.
What FutureMakers Lab offers
Knowledge Hub
One-day ecosystem convenings across metros. Career discovery, sector tables, hiring labs, “A Day in the Life” practitioner rapid-fires, and the FutureMakers Mixer – a curated evening of leader-mentee proximity.
SDG Innovation Challenge
For aspiring founders and student entrepreneurs building eco-social impact ventures, ecosystem matchmaking across incubators, investors, and mentors.
Bootcamp
Learning co-developed with colleges, corporates, and CSR teams. Customised to institutional needs, anchored in real-world projects, and shaped around how the ecosystem actually hires.
Career Tables
Sector-specific roundtables led by named champions across Climate Tech, ESG, Climate Finance, Circular Economy, Policy, Impact Communications, CSR, Carbon Markets, Sustainable Consumer, and Responsible AI. The fastest way to figure out where you fit.
Workshops
ESG report decoding, climate-tech startup mapping, circular economy mini-labs, and impact storytelling clinics. Output-focused, not theory-heavy. You leave with a draft, a framework, or a real piece of work.
Where do you fit in?
Students & Early Explorers
You’re in college, or just out. You sense that climate, ESG, or impact is your direction – but you can’t tell where you’d fit, what skills to build, or who to talk to. Start here.
01
Young Professionals
You’re a few years in, you’re competent at your job, but the work doesn’t feel mission-aligned. This is where you cross over.
02
Career Transitioners
You’re moving from corporate, consulting, operations, or finance into the Eco- impact economy. This is where you find your second move – and the people who’ll value the experience you’re bringing with you.
03
Researchers & Interdisciplinary Thinkers
You don’t fit a single sector neatly. That’s an asset in the impact economy. Find the rooms where it’s read that way.
04
Institutions & Employers: Colleges, universities, fellowship providers, ESG teams, climate startups, CSR teams, foundations, recruiters - this is where you meet the talent shaping the next decade of your industry.
Pathways we help you explore
Climate Tech & Startups · ESG & Sustainability · Climate Finance & Investing · Circular Economy · Renewable Energy · Policy & Governance · Carbon Markets · Research & Academia · Impact Communications & Media · Sustainable Consumer Brands · Social Innovation & Nonprofits · Responsible AI & Emerging Tech
01
Universities & Institutions
Bring FutureMakers Labs to your campus. Co-anchor a city forum. Showcase your impact and sustainability programs to a high-intent student pool.
02
Employers & Ecosystem Organisations
Source curated impact talent. Host a hiring booth at a forum. Sponsor a Sector Table. Run a workshop that puts your team in front of the next decade’s hires.
03
Foundations & CSR Teams
Underwrite scholarships, fellowships, or community cohorts. Build talent pipelines for the sectors you fund.
04
Courses & Learning Providers
Reach a high-intent audience of students and professionals actively searching for the right next step.
Built by
FutureMakers Lab is a joint initiative of AndPurpose Forums and EcoHQ.
AndPurpose is India’s sustainability and social impact ecosystem builder – operating at the intersection of climate, innovation, and community. Founded by Kamna Hazrati, AndPurpose has convened 600+ leaders, 50+ speakers (including Global Patron Erik Solheim), and reached 600M+ across its 2025 forum series in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. [Learn more →]
EcoHQ is an intelligence and editorial platform advancing future-focused thought leadership across climate and sustainability. [Learn more →]
Start your learning journey today.
