Innovation

In India, where water scarcity casts a long shadow, NeeRain has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering an innovative solution to water security challenges. Founded in 2018 by the founder and CEO, Mr. Amit Doshi, the company has introduced a groundbreaking approach to rainwater harvesting and conservation. This social enterprise empowers households and communities with affordable, accessible rooftop rainwater harvesting systems.

NeeRain's magic lies in its simplicity. Their patented filters attach seamlessly to rooftops, automatically collecting and purifying rainwater. No electricity, complex infrastructure, or high maintenance – just clean, filtered water flowing directly into storage tanks. This ingenious system tackles water woes head-on, addressing UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)

With more than 8,125 successful installations to date, NeeRain has saved more than 125 crore litres of water at 250+ decentralised habitats across India and six countries globally. This is not only reducing dependence on strained municipal supplies but is also recharging depleting groundwater levels. In rural areas, NeeRain is empowering farm families, providing them with reliable and clean water for irrigation and domestic use, fostering food security and economic independence. By putting the power of rainwater in the hands of communities, NeeRain is weaving a tapestry of water resilience and environmental sustainability – a testament to its commitment to a better world.

With every drop of harvested rainwater, NeeRain paints a picture of a future where water scarcity is not a looming threat, but a challenge met with ingenuity and community spirit. This is the innovation NeeRain brings – not just technology, but a ripple effect of empowerment and environmental consciousness, one rooftop at a time.

Inspiration

The inspiration behind the founding of NeeRain by Amit Doshi and Naishal Shah in 2018 lies in their commitment to addressing the critical issue of water scarcity. The founders were driven by the alarming global water crisis and the urgent need for sustainable water management solutions, especially in areas facing severe water shortages. Mr Doshi grew up in a town outside Ahmedabad where water scarcity was a norm.

A key motivation for establishing NeeRain was the recognition of rainwater as a largely untapped, sustainable, and renewable resource. By harnessing the potential of rainwater harvesting, the founders aimed to provide a practical, cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution to the growing water crisis.

The founder was particularly inspired by the potential impact of their solutions in regions suffering from water scarcity, especially having experienced it firsthand. They realised that rainwater harvesting could play a significant role in alleviating water stress, replenishing groundwater levels, and improving the overall quality of life in these areas. This understanding led to the development of NeeRain's rooftop rainwater filters, which are designed to be simple, effective, and accessible to a wide range of users.

In Mr. Doshi's words, "We want to empower a common man and common man has his own problems, his own constraint. He needs something which is very simple and something that doesn't have any electrical requirement, any consumable requirements or any recurring cost. Something which should be automatic to save water for him."

He emphasized the importance of making the product user-friendly and adaptable to different contexts, stating that "making things simple is so complicated so tough you know everybody is busy making things complicated why not we make something which is very very simple adaptable flexible and economical so that people it on it will become a movement."

This commitment to innovation and sustainability continues to drive the company's mission and operations, as they work towards transforming the society from a water-scarce to a water-surplus nation.

Overall impact

Neerain's impact lies in its contribution to water conservation. The filtration system ensures the sustainable use of borewells by preventing them from running dry—a pervasive issue faced by countless Indian families. Harvesting rainwater minimises waterlogging during monsoons in urban areas which prevents flooding and redirects rainwater back into the ground, mitigating strain on drainage systems and positively impacting the local environment.

With construction costs for their product ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹30,000, and the filtration system costing less than ₹3,000, Neerain provides a cost-effective alternative that has potential savings on water bills and expenses related to borewell maintenance.

‘These installations have been across 250 centres - 250 plus cities and towns of India and six countries globally…. Collectively each and every filter if we calculate the proportionate rainfall in that respective city, all 5 ,000 filters put together they saved around 125 crore litres of rainwater in the last three years.´

-Mr Amit Doshi, Founder of Neerain

Neerain’s remarkable revenue growth, increasing from ₹5 lakh to ₹1 crore, is testament to the company's effective communication strategy. By shifting the narrative from generic conservation messages to addressing the imminent threat of water scarcity and borewell drying, Neerain has created a powerful connection with its audience.

The company has also contributed to job creation and youth empowerment by providing a platform for skill development for young engineering graduates. Neerain’s impact extends beyond national borders shows the universal applicability of their rainwater harvesting solution.

Looking forward, Neerain's ambitious goals include scaling its impact by reaching more districts in India and installing 50,000 units annually, reaching a revenue of ₹100 crore.. This vision underscores the company's commitment to ensuring water security for countless families and communities.

Neerain's business transcends the conventional boundaries of success by addressing critical water-related challenges, promoting sustainability, fostering economic savings, providing employment opportunities, and creating a global footprint in the realm of rainwater harvesting.

Business benefit

The Rooftop Filter, developed by NeeRain Private Limited, has not only had a significant impact on water conservation and management but has also benefited the business in several ways. This Filter has enabled NeeRain to establish itself as a leader in the field of sustainable water management and has opened up new markets and investment opportunities.

The patented filter has enabled NeeRain to establish itself as a leader in the field of sustainable water management, creating a strong brand identity and reputation. This has opened up new markets and investment opportunities for the business, enabling it to expand its operations and reach a wider audience. It has also contributed to the growth of the business, resulting in increased revenue and the hiring of new employees.

The innovation has also contributed to employee wellbeing and retention, as employees are proud to be associated with a company that is making a positive impact on society and the environment. The success of this innovation has enabled NeeRain to develop new products and services, expanding its portfolio and creating new revenue streams.

Social and environmental benefit

By filtering and collecting rainwater for reuse, the 8,000+ filters adopted by households provide access to clean water for drinking and domestic use. This direct social benefit enhances health and quality of life, especially in water-scarce regions. Additionally, climate-resilient access to supplemental rainwater makes communities better equipped to handle droughts and floods.

The environmental gains are also noteworthy — from reducing pressure on fast-depleting groundwater sources to cutting associated energy consumption and carbon emissions. The innovation's unique model promotes cost-effective, sustainable water management practices at the grassroots level, driving far greater adoption than capital-intensive, traditional rainwater harvesting structures. This amplifies environmental awareness across communities.

As budding sustainability champions, we deeply appreciate innovations that deliver scalable social impact along with conservation of water and other precious natural resources. The simplicity and accessibility of this decentralised solution set an example for driving positive change through community-centric models rather than top-down policies alone. By enabling climate resilience and environmental stability, innovation points the way forward.

Interview

Mr. Amit Doshi, CEO, Founder