Sumant has long seen knowledge infrastructure as essential to building an industry. In 2017, he helped establish the ReNew Centre of Excellence for Energy and Environment at IIT Delhi, bringing research closer to energy challenges. By giving students and researchers space to test ideas across grid integration, electric mobility, forecasting, wind modelling and solar performance, the Centre is strengthening the knowledge base the transition needs.
Believing that talent should never be limited by access, Sumant has worked to create opportunities for more Indian women to engage with leading academic institutions and global networks. As an alumnus and board member of Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, he supported the India programme that connects scholars with graduate education, international exposure and diverse perspectives, broadening horizons and opening new possibilities.
Sumant has sought to widen who gets the opportunity to build within the climate economy. Through ReNew’s partnership with UNDP and IIT Delhi, the Women Climate Champions accelerator supported six entrepreneurs with individual mentoring, peer learning and expert guidance, helping them strengthen their ventures, build valuable networks and shape clearer pathways towards scaling their impact.
At the launch of the centre of excellence at IIT Delhi with Shri Prakash Javadekar, former Union Minister of Human Resource Development, India
The first cohort of women entrepreneurs with representatives from UNDP India, ReNew, and FIIT.
With the students of Vidya School, Gurugram
Alongside management trainees from IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Banglore, IIM Calcutta, XLRI, FMS, MDI, TISS, IIFM, and many more.
At ReNew’s Jaipur plant, building with partners on ground
With scholars from Ivy League institutions
