Episode 24: In Conversation with Uday Khemka, Vice Chairman of the SUN Group

About Uday Khemka

With nearly 30 years of entrepreneurial and investment experience across emerging markets, Uday has been at the forefront of sustainable energy transformation, particularly in India.

As the founder of SUN New Energy Holdings and a key partner in SUN Mobility, Uday has been instrumental in advancing renewable energy, energy storage, and electric mobility infrastructure. His climate leadership extends beyond business – as Vice Chairman of The Nand & Jeet Khemka Foundation, he has focused on climate change mitigation for three decades, dating back to the first COP in Rio in 1992.

At a time when we’re seeing significant political shifts away from climate priorities, Uday’s insights on how Europe, India, and other emerging economies are stepping into leadership roles in climate innovation are particularly valuable. His global perspective offers a timely look at how regions beyond the US are seizing the opportunity to lead the next wave of climate solutions and investments.

Educated at Eton, Cambridge, and Harvard Business School (where he graduated with distinction as a Baker Scholar), Uday brings a rare combination of business acumen, policy expertise, and philanthropic vision to the climate challenge. He has advised sovereign and pension institutions on climate finance since 2004 and serves as a Senior Climate Advisor to the Institutional Investors Roundtable, representing over $13 trillion in assets.

Coming up in this episode…

A Journey Fueled by Purpose
Uday shares his personal and professional journey into climate advocacy, rooted in a deep emotional connection to environmental issues and a belief that “every drop in the bucket counts.” His story spans philanthropy, policy, and entrepreneurship, and reflects a lifelong commitment to building a more sustainable future.

The Indian Context: Urgency and Opportunity
With India standing at the frontline of the climate crisis, the conversation turns to the country’s unique challenges, particularly around food security, water resources, and energy access. Uday highlights how emerging markets like India are not only vulnerable but also uniquely positioned to leapfrog into sustainable innovation.

Bridging the Climate Finance Gap
One of the episode’s central themes is the role of climate finance in catalysing systemic change. Uday outlines the vast funding gap that exists, especially for developing nations, and calls for smarter, more inclusive financial mechanisms to support grassroots solutions and scalable innovations alike.

Where Academia Meets Action
The discussion also touches on the evolving role of academic institutions in driving sustainability. Through research, partnerships, and talent development, universities are becoming incubators for climate solutions that can be commercialised and scaled.

The Power of Entrepreneurship
Uday makes a compelling case for entrepreneurship as a driving force in the green transition. From innovative business models to electric mobility and clean energy, he underscores how visionary founders can turn climate challenges into viable, impactful ventures.

From COP to Collaboration
Reflecting on the evolution of the COP conferences, Uday offers a nuanced take, acknowledging both the progress and the persistent gaps in global climate governance. He calls for leadership that bridges sectors and geographies, emphasising that “we care about something, we use every tool we can.”

Chapters:

00:00 Uday’s Journey into Climate Advocacy
07:00 Reflections on COP Meetings and Their Evolution
09:49 The Role of the Global South in Climate Finance
12:50 The Impact of U.S. Leadership on Climate Initiatives
15:51 Grassroots Philanthropy and Systemic Change
18:52 The Intersection of Business and Climate Solutions
22:11 The Role of Academic Institutions in Climate Research
24:47 Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst for Change
35:21 Innovations in the Green Economy
40:41 Electric Mobility and Sustainable Solutions
43:12 Overcoming Resistance to Change
44:33 Optimism in Climate Solutions
47:29 The Future of AI and Sustainability

Listen Now:
Catch Episode 24, Every Drop Counts, wherever you get your podcasts HERE.