Sathya Sankaran

About Sathya

Sathya is a Computer Science graduate with a postgraduate degree in Public Policy. He brings three decades of experience in using technology and data to solve urban issues in mobility and energy.

He is the architect of AltMo, a gamified mobility intelligence platform for the future of climate-friendly cities. The data from this platform enabled a 342% increased allocation in the Comprehensive Master Plan for cycling and walking, helped establish more than 20 kms of cycle tracks in Bengaluru, and won Silvassa Smart City an award for Excellence in Innovation. It is now helping corporates meet their ESG goals.

His Relief Riders initiative during the COVID pandemic won the 2021 UN World Bicycle Day Special Award and was nominated for the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize.

He is the author of the book Break the Block: Lessons from Bengaluru's Rail Battle and the host of OoruLabs podcast, India's premiere urban affairs podcast.

Currently, Sathya serves as the strategy lead delivering thesis-based investing for urban sustainability, waste, energy and materials at Rainmatter Foundation. He is the CEO at WattsNext Energy, which is redefining the way power is delivered for vehicles and built forms. He is an adjunct faculty teaching Urban Governance and public problem solving for masters students in public policy at Kautilya School, Hyderabad and Mount Carmel, Bengaluru. He is a Director at the waste management startup, Bioman and the Bicycle Mayor of Bengaluru.