Clairco: Udayan Banerjee on the 'Clean Air as a Service' Revolution

Guest: Udayan Banerjee Date: January 15, 2026 Read Time: 10 mins

In a world where urban air quality is deteriorating, the air we breathe indoors is often an overlooked health hazard. Udayan Banerjee, the Co-founder of Clairco, is tackling this problem by turning existing infrastructure into high-performance purifiers. By leveraging nanotechnology and a subscription-based "Service" model, Clairco is making clean air accessible and affordable for commercial spaces like malls, schools, and offices.

The 'Invisible' Health Crisis

Udayan's motivation for Clairco (short for "Clean Air Company") stemmed from a personal realization during a stay in Varanasi. Observing the intense pollution and its impact on the health of vulnerable populations, he recognized that indoor air purification was too expensive and operationally intensive for most businesses. "We wanted to turn ventilation systems into purification systems," Udayan explains. "Current solutions cost lakhs and aren't guaranteed to work. We wanted to solve that."

Founded in 2018, Clairco uses low-drag nano filters that fit into existing air conditioning and HVAC systems. This allows businesses to purify their indoor air without the massive capital expenditure (CAPEX) of buying standalone units.

"Don't build a product to impress someone. Build it because you care about the problem. If you don't care about the core issue, you won't survive the long journey of entrepreneurship." — Udayan Banerjee

Clean-Air-as-a-Service (CAAS)

Perhaps Clairco's most innovative move is its business model. Instead of selling filters, they sell a guarantee. Under their **Clean-Air-as-a-Service** model, customers pay a monthly subscription fee based on the air quality delivered. "If the air quality doesn't meet the SLA (Service Level Agreement), the customer doesn't pay for that month," Udayan notes. This radical transparency aligns the company's success directly with the customer's health.

The Clairco Edge

Nanotechnology: Patented 'NanoClair' technology removes fungi, bacteria, and viruses with minimal impact on AC airflow.
Zero CAPEX: Customers pay no upfront costs for equipment; it's all handled through a subscription.
IoT Integration: Real-time air quality monitoring allows businesses to track pollution levels via a digital dashboard.

The 'Jagriti Yatra' Inspiration

Udayan's entrepreneurial spark was ignited during the **Jagriti Yatra**, a 15-day train journey across India designed to promote social entrepreneurship. This exposure, combined with his background at **Vedanta** and **OYO**, gave him the courage to bootstrap Clairco. "I was very clear—I wanted to build something that creates continuous value, even if I'm not in the room," he says.

How to Build a Mission-Driven Startup

Introspect First: Ensure you truly care about the problem you are solving. The core 'why' will be your only support during tough times.
Launch the MVP: Don't get emotionally attached to your prototype. Launch it, get customer feedback, and iterate quickly.
Hire for Vision: In the early stages (Series A and below), hire people who are aligned with your mission, not just those looking for a salary hike.
Financial Runway: Save enough to survive for at least a year. Personal financial stability allows you to make better long-term decisions for the company.

Overcoming the 'Family' Hurdle

Coming from a middle-class background, Udayan faced initial resistance from his family. "There were arguments at home. My parents wanted security and a steady job," he shares. However, as Clairco began to gain traction and recognition—including being featured in **Business Today's Coolest Startups**—the skepticism turned into support. "You have to be clear about what you want. Eventually, the results will speak for themselves."

Milestones & Impact

Vision 2030: Aiming to ensure one million people breathe clean air daily through Clairco's systems.
Commercial Success: Partnered with major malls, hospitals, and corporate offices across India.
Sustainable Growth: Successfully raised funding after proving the 'Clean-Air-as-a-Service' model was scalable.

Final Message: Integrity Over Impression

Udayan’s final advice to Indian entrepreneurs is to prioritize integrity over trying to impress others. He believes the 21st century will be defined by the environmental solutions built today. "India needs more entrepreneurs who solve real, deep-tech issues. Don't be shy; get out of your comfort zone and demand the change you want to see."