In the green of life, the blue of water powers the red of blood cells to make and keep our bodies healthy. Just as the vibrant green of plants provides the oxygen we breathe and the blue waters nourish life on Earth, clean water plays a vital role in sustaining human health.
“Clean water is vital not only for hydration, sanitation, and overall well-being but also for fostering sustainable water management practices. Treated drinking water ensures safe hydration, supports essential bodily functions, and prevents waterborne diseases, promoting public health and well-being. Equally important is wastewater treatment and reuse, which conserves resources, reduces environmental pollution, and supports sustainable development. By safeguarding water resources and advancing innovative solutions for both clean water access and wastewater reuse, we can build a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come. By leveraging our expertise in water treatment and management, we aim to strengthen our presence across diverse industries through our comprehensive range of specialty chemical solutions. In essence, the way of clean water is the way to a healthy life,” says Dr Surendra Takawale, Executive Director and Co-founder of Blue Zone Ventures Private Limited, a Concord Enviro Company.
According to Dr Surendra, his company takes a comprehensive approach to water and wastewater management, setting a new standard of convenience and efficiency in the industry. “Our Utility Management Platform is a pioneering model that integrates a full spectrum of treatment solutions into one cohesive package, enabling businesses to manage their utilities with ease and precision.”
Key Differentiators that Set the Company Apart include:
- Expertise in asset management: Specializing in the maintenance and upgrading of water and wastewater treatment facilities.
- Diverse solutions portfolio: Serving both Municipal and Industrial sectors with tailored offerings, Automation of water supply scheme and Wastewater Treatment projects & IOT based projects to speciality chemicals.
- Innovative service models: Delivering Water and Wastewater Solutions through the Transfer-Operate-Transfer (T-O-T) framework, recognized as one of the most effective techno-commercial models in the industry today.
“Our dedication to sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction underpins everything we do,” he adds. Leveraging AI-driven data analytics and predictive analysis, Dr Surendra and his team optimize operations to achieve significant water and power savings, further solidifying their leadership in the market.
“At Blue Zone Ventures Private Limited, we believe in redefining utility management through smart, sustainable, and future-ready solutions,” he shares.
Setting the Sustainability Benchmarks
Emerged as India’s leading transformational company in a year, Blue Zone Ventures Private Limited’s guiding philosophy is centred around excellence, innovation, and sustainability. Dr Surendra says, “We believe in delivering cutting-edge solutions that not only meet but exceed the evolving needs of our clients.” He ensures they prioritize automation and the latest technological innovations to stay ahead of the curve. Their commitment to customer satisfaction, combined with a focus on operational efficiency and environmental stewardship, has been instrumental in propelling the organization’s success. “We strive to create value through strategic partnerships and by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.”
The essence of future business transformation lies in innovation, disruptions, and enhancing the end-user experience. At Blue Zone Ventures Private Limited, Dr Surendra prioritizes both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction by integrating innovation and technological advancements into their core operations. He and his team continuously optimize their processes through automation and AI-driven data analytics, ensuring high levels of efficiency and performance. Simultaneously, they maintain a strong focus on understanding and meeting the needs of their clients, delivering tailored solutions that enhance their experience. “By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and by staying ahead of industry trends, we strike a balance that drives both operational excellence and customer satisfaction,” he adds.
Digitally Enhanced Water Management
Also, digitalization and technological advancements are integral to their operations at Blue Zone Ventures Private Limited. They leverage automation and AI for data analytics and predictive analysis, which provide detailed insights into water balance and help save water and power. “Our commitment to innovation drives us to continuously adopt the latest technologies and best practices, enhancing productivity and performance,” he insists. By integrating these principles into their core functioning, they not only improve our operational efficiency but also contribute to a technovative future where sustainable solutions and technological innovations go hand in hand.
One of Dr Surendra’s visions of integrating advanced automation and AI-driven predictive analysis in water and sewage treatment has enhanced efficiency and performance, yielding significant water and power savings. “It will showcase our commitment to excellence and innovation as we continuously seek to enhance our solutions and deliver superior value to our clients,” he says, adding that it will not only demonstrate their technical expertise but also their dedication to sustainability and customer satisfaction.
A Transformative Method
One initiative that truly showcases Blue Zone Ventures Private Limited’s commitment to excellence and innovation is its Utility Management Platform, a transformative approach to water and wastewater management. Recognizing the need for businesses to manage utilities seamlessly, Dr Surendra informs that they developed this platform as a one-stop solution, enabling businesses to optimize their operations while achieving significant savings in water and energy consumption. By offering tailored solutions—ranging from automation projects to the Transfer-Operate-Transfer (T-O-T) model for industrial water systems—the team ensures both precision and sustainability in utility management.
With this strategy, they have successfully expanded into the government sector, securing orders for comprehensive Water and Wastewater Management projects which highlights their capability to handle large-scale infrastructure. Additionally, they have extended their reach across industries by offering speciality chemicals and resins through an extensive dealer network across India.
“This initiative doesn’t just reflect our dedication to innovation; it demonstrates our commitment to creating value for our clients and driving meaningful impact in the municipal and industrial sectors,” adds Dr Surendra. It’s a perfect blend of smart strategy, customized solutions, and sustainable practices, solidifying Blue Zone Ventures Private Limited’s position in the industry.
Teaming with Enthusiasm
Also, he ardently believes that an empowered workforce is the cornerstone of every successful organization. Thus, at Blue Zone Ventures Private Limited, Dr Surendra prioritizes the growth and development of his employees by creating a supportive and empowering work environment. He shares, “We provide ongoing training and development programs to enhance their skills and knowledge. By encouraging open communication, collaboration, and innovation, we foster a culture where employees feel valued and motivated.” The organization’s quarterly interactive meetings and team-building activities further strengthen the team bond and ensure that everyone is aligned with the company’s vision and goals. By investing in his workforce, Dr Surendra ensures that they are equipped to drive the company’s success.
An Empowering Mentor
Thus, often recognized as a driving force behind his company’s achievements, Dr Surendra’s leadership approach centres on fostering a collaborative and innovative environment. he prioritizes open communication, ensuring that every team member feels heard and valued. By setting clear, ambitious goals and aligning them with the company’s vision, he creates a sense of purpose and direction. “I believe in mentorship and empowerment, guiding my team to take ownership of their projects and decisions,” says Dr Surendra. Celebrating successes and learning from failures are also key aspects, as they boost morale and provide valuable insights for improvement. Ultimately, his goal is to build a resilient, high-performing team that thrives on creativity and collaboration.
Surmounting Challenges
“This goal has been achieved with distinction, as Dr. Surendra notes the two most significant challenges they consistently face: meeting customer demands and ensuring the quality and quantity of water supplied to the public. With growing digitalization, technological advancements, and heightened awareness, people are seeking higher-quality and more abundant drinking water. Additionally, water consumption is projected to rise significantly soon. ‘We must be prepared to meet these demands and maintain supply through technological updates and, in some cases, self-training,’ he emphasizes. Equally important is the role of wastewater management in maintaining the overall water balance. Effective treatment and reuse of wastewater not only conserve resources but also support sustainability by addressing water scarcity and reducing environmental impact, ensuring a holistic approach to water resource management.
One notable instance was during the initial phase of a major water treatment project, where he and his team faced unexpected technical challenges and regulatory hurdles. They demonstrated exceptional resilience and ingenuity by quickly adapting to the situation, leveraging their technical expertise and industry knowledge to develop innovative solutions, he says. “Through collaborative efforts and strategic problem-solving, we successfully navigated the challenges and delivered the project on time, exceeding our client’s expectations.” This experience reinforced their commitment to excellence and showcased their ability to overcome adversity with resilience and ingenuity.
Always Prepared
Another instance was the global pandemic. Dr Surendra adds that in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the unpredictable geopolitical scenarios, they have developed comprehensive contingency plans to ensure business continuity and resilience. “Our approach includes the implementation of flexible work arrangements, the enhancement of our digital infrastructure, and the strengthening of our supply chain management to mitigate potential disruptions.”
Moreover, they have established robust communication channels and protocols to keep their team and stakeholders informed and engaged during uncertain times. By focusing on agility, adaptability, and proactive risk management, they are well-prepared to navigate future uncertainties and continue delivering exceptional value to their clients.
Dr Surendra says, “Given that we manage essential and critical utilities, we must be perpetually prepared with all necessary gear and financial plans. During such challenging periods, our priority is to support our operations team, who must be on the field to fulfil our responsibilities to our customers.” Such agility in these scenarios allows them to maintain uninterrupted service, ensuring that they uphold their commitment to the public and their customers as part of the essential sector.
Beginning of the Leadership
Thus, renowned as an influential personality in the industry, Dr Surendra’s journey began with a strong desire to drive meaningful change and impact within the business world. The dynamic nature of the industry, coupled with the potential to innovate and create sustainable solutions, motivated him to step into this ecosystem. He reflects, “My passion for business, combined with a strategic vision and the ability to build and lead high-performance teams, has been the driving force behind my career.” He saw an opportunity to make a significant difference by addressing critical issues in water and wastewater management, and this motivated him to embark on this path.
Dr Surendra’s career began with a strong foundation of education He is an Alumni of Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, and IIM Ahmedabad, where he completed the Senior Executive Leadership Programme. He also holds a PhD in Business Administration and Management, a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in market management, and in chemical engineering which gave me a strong foundation. This education broadened his perspective and equipped him with the necessary skills to navigate complex business environments. However, it was his passion for business and strategic leadership that truly motivated him to step into this dynamic ecosystem. Early in his career, Dr Surendra realized the immense potential of combining technical expertise with strategic vision to drive business growth and innovation. Over the years, his experiences at renowned organizations like Thermax, Oman Oil and Services, Va Tech Wabag Ltd, and Vishvaraj Group further honed his abilities in leadership, strategy formulation, and stakeholder management.
“What truly inspired me was the opportunity to make a tangible impact on businesses and communities. The dynamic nature of the industry, coupled with the chance to lead high-performance teams and drive transformative change, fuelled my passion,” says Dr Surendra, the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Blue Zone Ventures Private Limited continues to be driven by the same motivation—to create value, foster innovation, and lead with integrity.
The Wisdom of the Water-Bearer
Businesses are a way for the Indian industry to pace up its economic potential and capacity. In his advice to other budding entrepreneurs who aspire to venture into the business space, Dr Surendra says to stay committed to their vision and remain adaptable in the face of challenges. Focus on building a strong foundation by understanding your market, identifying your unique value proposition, and fostering a customer-centric approach. Invest in innovation and technology to stay ahead of industry trends and continuously improve your offerings. Surround yourself with a talented and motivated team and create a culture of collaboration and continuous learning. Lastly, maintain integrity and transparency in your business practices, as these values will build trust and long-term success.
Envisioning an Aquatic Tomorrow
Finally, divulging his vision, Dr Surendra says, “As we enter 2025, my objective for Blue Zone Ventures Private Limited is to build a solid foundation, increase our presence across all areas, and continue to lead the way in sustainable water and wastewater management solutions. We aim to expand our reach and influence by embracing the most recent technological advancements and innovative strategies. Our primary focus will be on increasing operational efficiency, providing outstanding value to our clients, and generating long-term development. By adhering to our fundamental values of environmental conservation, leadership, trust, and honesty, we want to have a substantial impact on India’s revolutionary future landscape, helping to create a brighter, cleaner, and more sustainable world.”
In the coming years, Blue Zone Ventures Private Limited plans to expand its operations in the international market and is extremely responsive to various business and technology tie-ups to broaden its wings further.