Tarak Nandan Sahay : Driving Net Zero Transformation with A Unique Approach
Tarak Nandan Sahay
Founder & CEO
ZWC was founded by Tarak Nandan Sahay (Founder & CEO) out of a deep commitment to climate action and environmental stewardship. As a technology-driven enterprise, ZWC empowers citizens, industries, and urban systems to adopt decentralized, resource efficient solutions that accelerate the transition to Net Zero waste and emissions. By promoting circular economy practices and localized climate solutions, the company is building resilient, low-carbon communities across the country.
An XLRI alumnus, Tarak began his career as a Class I officer in the Central Armed Police Force. He subsequently served in the Intelligence Bureau and CRPF as a Dy. Commanding Officer and in the National Security Guard as a Squadron Commander before entering the corporate realm and taking leadership roles in organizations such as Tata Steel Urban Utilities, JSW Energy, Ramky Enviro (now Re sustain ability) Clean Tech Singapore and Vision scape (Lagos).
These diverse experiences across government and corporate sectors shaped Tarak’s perspective on nation-building and institutional resilience. Today, he is building ZWC as a purpose-driven brand focused on developing net-zero solutions for industries, urban bodies, and communities, contributing meaningfully to environmental transformation. We are delighted to engage in an exclusive conversation with Tarak, who walks us through his XLRI experience, leadership app - roach, and more.
What were the key lessons from XLRI that contributed to the success of your journey?
XLRI has played a pivotal role in shaping me for the corporate environment, especially after transitioning from a career in the armed forces. While the forces and corporate sectors require different approaches, XLRI helped bridge that gap by providing a fresh perspective on managing the most critical asset of any organization: its people.
The program gave me deep insights into organizational structure, culture, and workforce engagement, which are essential at the leadership level.
Leading teams in the armed forces and managing talent in the corporate world are funda - mentally different experiences. XLRI’s academic foundation, combined with my practical exposure, has proven invaluable, particularly in areas like organizational competency management. Now, as a startup founder, these lessons continue to guide me in building a resilient, people focused, and future-ready organization.
Could you share your experience regarding the faculty's accessibility and support?
While working with Tata Steel and attending the evening course, the faculty was always accessible. Whenever I needed insight or help understanding
concepts, they explained things clearly and practically.
Since we were experienced professionals, the faculty focused on real organizational problems and how to handle them. They had strong connections with industry leaders and shared valuable, practical knowledge.
How did you utilize the alumni network after graduation?
During my time as a student and after graduation, I actively participated in annual alumni meets, especially when I was in India. These events, held in major cities like NCR, Gujarat, Delhi, and Mumbai, provided valuable opportunities to connect with fellow alumni.
The network has been very useful for sharing ideas, mutual learning, and gaining insights into various industries. Interacting with successful professionals from diverse fields has helped me under stand industry challenges, particularly related to zero-waste initiatives, providing important business insights.
What is one memory from your time at university that stands out the most to you?
The convocation day stands out as a memorable moment for me. At that time, I was working with Tata Steel, and it was a special experience celebrating with my peers. Coming from a government and armed forces back ground, that day marked a significant transition into the corporate world. It was a unique and cherished moment that I still fondly remember and often recall during alumni meets.
What inspired the launch of ZWC Solutions, and what does the brand stand for?
ZWC Solutions was founded after my experience leading a major waste management project in Lagos and recognizing the need for practical, decentralized, and circular solutions in India. With over two decades of experience at organizations like Tata, Ramky, JSW, and Visions Cape, I envisioned ZWC to make human living and economic activity truly zero waste.
Today, the brand stands for action, innovation, and inclusion, offering scalable, regenerative solutions that challenge traditional waste systems through community-driven, tech-enabled approaches.
How is ZWC using IoT and data-driven technologies to enhance resource manage -ment and sustainability?
At ZWC, we are aggressively leveraging IoT and data driven technologies, and our in-house Zero Waste Citizen Bank platform is an example. This platform captures real-time data across three key sectors, namely urban local bodies, communities, and industries, to monitor environmental contributions such as water recycling, waste diversion and carbon foot print.
Our smart systems enable automated reporting, real-time dashboards, and IoT-based monitoring of STPs, water consumption and recyclables and can improve efficiency of operations, transparency and adherence to sustainability objectives.
Could you describe your leadership style and the work environment esta -blished in your organi - zation?
Having served in the forces, I deeply value human relationships where trust runs so deep that people willingly risk their lives for one another. I experienced this first-hand when a constable sacrificed his life to save mine. This cemented my belief
Since we were experienced professionals, the faculty focused on real organizational problems and how to handle them. They had strong connections with industry leaders and shared valuable, practical knowledge.
How did you utilize the alumni network after graduation?
During my time as a student and after graduation, I actively participated in annual alumni meets, especially when I was in India. These events, held in major cities like NCR, Gujarat, Delhi, and Mumbai, provided valuable opportunities to connect with fellow alumni.
The network has been very useful for sharing ideas, mutual learning, and gaining insights into various industries. Interacting with successful professionals from diverse fields has helped me under stand industry challenges, particularly related to zero-waste initiatives, providing important business insights.
"Change is faster than ever, and those who don't evolve will risk becoming obsolete
What is one memory from your time at university that stands out the most to you?
The convocation day stands out as a memorable moment for me. At that time, I was working with Tata Steel, and it was a special experience celebrating with my peers. Coming from a government and armed forces back ground, that day marked a significant transition into the corporate world. It was a unique and cherished moment that I still fondly remember and often recall during alumni meets.
What inspired the launch of ZWC Solutions, and what does the brand stand for?
ZWC Solutions was founded after my experience leading a major waste management project in Lagos and recognizing the need for practical, decentralized, and circular solutions in India. With over two decades of experience at organizations like Tata, Ramky, JSW, and Visions Cape, I envisioned ZWC to make human living and economic activity truly zero waste.
Today, the brand stands for action, innovation, and inclusion, offering scalable, regenerative solutions that challenge traditional waste systems through community-driven, tech-enabled approaches.
How is ZWC using IoT and data-driven technologies to enhance resource manage -ment and sustainability?
At ZWC, we are aggressively leveraging IoT and data driven technologies, and our in-house Zero Waste Citizen Bank platform is an example. This platform captures real-time data across three key sectors, namely urban local bodies, communities, and industries, to monitor environmental contributions such as water recycling, waste diversion and carbon foot print.
Our smart systems enable automated reporting, real-time dashboards, and IoT-based monitoring of STPs, water consumption and recyclables and can improve efficiency of operations, transparency and adherence to sustainability objectives.
Could you describe your leadership style and the work environment esta -blished in your organi - zation?
Having served in the forces, I deeply value human relationships where trust runs so deep that people willingly risk their lives for one another. I experienced this first-hand when a constable sacrificed his life to save mine. This cemented my belief
people are central to any mission's success.
At Tata Steel, I saw a similar people-first culture, reinforcing this view. Today, I’ve built an open, nonhierarchical organi- zation where everyone is treated as a partner. I even refer to salaries as pocket money because the true value lies in growing together.
My leadership is collaborative and inclusive, aimed at empowering people and driving innovation. A motivated, aligned team is everything in a startup solving complex environmental challenges.
Could you tell us about your training programs for promoting zero-waste practices?
The ZWC model emphasizes practical sustain ability education by integrating real-world learning experiences for over 70,000 students, enabling them to engage directly with zero-waste and resource recovery practices.
Beyond schools, we build capacity in residential societies and industries by raising awareness of waste stream value and circularity, helping reduce waste and operating costs. Our training includes workshops on ESG compliance, Net Zero preparedness, and circular procurement, and we have digital platforms to support continuous learning and leadership within communities and municipalities.
What roadmap have you foreseen for yourself over the next five years?
Going forward, I am focused on scaling ZWC into a trusted brand and leader in delivering practical circular solutions for waste and wastewater management.
The aim is to help industries, urban local bodies, and communities progress toward a net-zero future, which I believe is the next major phase for the nation’s economy.
My roadmap includes deepening innovation and building integrated, technology-driven solutions tailored to India's unique challenges while ensuring they remain globally replicable.
I also plan to strengthen our organizational culture and develop a team equipped with new-age skills and a strong sense of purpose. My long-term vision is for ZWC to continue creating impact, with or without me, for decades.
What would be the one piece of advice you would pass on to the upcoming business leaders?
Prepare yourself for a rapidly changing business landscape and stay adaptable. Change is faster than ever, and those who don't evolve will risk becoming obsolete. It’s crucial to recognize the growing role of AI and the fact that many current skills may soon be outdated. Invest your time and energy in acquiring new-age competencies, and support your teams in doing the same.
Tarak Nandan Sahay, Founder & CEO, ZWC
Tarak is a circular strategist with 27 years of experience in top leadership positions across West Africa, Singapore, and India. He is an EPR, Plastic credit, carbon credit waste minimization, and zero-waste solutions expert.
Hobbies: Music and musical instruments
Favorite Book: Reach by Andy Molinsky
Favorite Travel Destination: Uttarakhand
Awards & Recognition:
•NSG Award for service to the nation
•Multiple awards during his government service
•Best J.J.irani Educational Assessor award at Tata Steel
•Recognized for supporting school excellence initiatives
At Tata Steel, I saw a similar people-first culture, reinforcing this view. Today, I’ve built an open, nonhierarchical organi- zation where everyone is treated as a partner. I even refer to salaries as pocket money because the true value lies in growing together.
My leadership is collaborative and inclusive, aimed at empowering people and driving innovation. A motivated, aligned team is everything in a startup solving complex environmental challenges.
Could you tell us about your training programs for promoting zero-waste practices?
The ZWC model emphasizes practical sustain ability education by integrating real-world learning experiences for over 70,000 students, enabling them to engage directly with zero-waste and resource recovery practices.
Beyond schools, we build capacity in residential societies and industries by raising awareness of waste stream value and circularity, helping reduce waste and operating costs. Our training includes workshops on ESG compliance, Net Zero preparedness, and circular procurement, and we have digital platforms to support continuous learning and leadership within communities and municipalities.
What roadmap have you foreseen for yourself over the next five years?
Going forward, I am focused on scaling ZWC into a trusted brand and leader in delivering practical circular solutions for waste and wastewater management.
The aim is to help industries, urban local bodies, and communities progress toward a net-zero future, which I believe is the next major phase for the nation’s economy.
My roadmap includes deepening innovation and building integrated, technology-driven solutions tailored to India's unique challenges while ensuring they remain globally replicable.
I also plan to strengthen our organizational culture and develop a team equipped with new-age skills and a strong sense of purpose. My long-term vision is for ZWC to continue creating impact, with or without me, for decades.
What would be the one piece of advice you would pass on to the upcoming business leaders?
Prepare yourself for a rapidly changing business landscape and stay adaptable. Change is faster than ever, and those who don't evolve will risk becoming obsolete. It’s crucial to recognize the growing role of AI and the fact that many current skills may soon be outdated. Invest your time and energy in acquiring new-age competencies, and support your teams in doing the same.
Tarak Nandan Sahay, Founder & CEO, ZWC
Tarak is a circular strategist with 27 years of experience in top leadership positions across West Africa, Singapore, and India. He is an EPR, Plastic credit, carbon credit waste minimization, and zero-waste solutions expert.
Hobbies: Music and musical instruments
Favorite Book: Reach by Andy Molinsky
Favorite Travel Destination: Uttarakhand
Awards & Recognition:
•NSG Award for service to the nation
•Multiple awards during his government service
•Best J.J.irani Educational Assessor award at Tata Steel
•Recognized for supporting school excellence initiatives