From Studio to the Tank: The CoolAnt Journey

Monish Siripurapu, Founder of CoolAnt at Shark Tank India

As architects, we can all agree that seeing Monish Siripurapu walk onto the sets of Shark Tank India was a moment that truly resonated with us. It was more than just a pitch; it was a representation of what architects can achieve beyond conventional boundaries. With an impressive presentation and a clear, purpose-driven vision, Monish showcased a cause that genuinely matters. In a recent conversation with 361Bit, Team CoolAnt opened up about this inspiring journey, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their Shark Tank experience.

The Genesis: From Side Projects to Sustainable Solutions

CoolAnt's story began a decade ago when founder Monish was juggling his work at an architectural firm while taking on side projects. These early experiences led to the establishment of Studio Ant, characterized by its unique approach to design that emphasized natural language, local materiality, and parametric design principles.

The turning point came through an unexpected challenge: a factory's DG set that was creating unbearable working conditions due to excessive heat emission. This problem sparked the invention of the 'Beehive' - a solution that would later catch national attention on Shark Tank India. "This installation helped us put out the word with other people and get feedback," shares Pranjal Maheshwari, Research and Communication Architect at CoolAnt. "We realized these kinds of solutions had real potential, and the construction industry needed more climate-sensitive approaches."

Studio Ant to CoolAnt: A Natural Evolution

While Studio Ant continues as the parent company, CoolAnt emerged as its product-focused offspring, aimed at democratizing architectural knowledge in India. "Through CoolAnt, our idea was to shift away from the traditional model and bring knowledge into the picture - to be more relevant and approachable," explains Pranjal. Despite the organizational distinction, both entities maintain their core philosophy of utilizing local materials to solve real problems.

The Shark Tank Milestone

The team's appearance on Shark Tank India marked a pivotal moment in CoolAnt's journey, though it came with just a week's preparation time. "It was exciting and daunting at the same time. We had never pitched CoolAnt to anyone before," recalls Muskan Jain, Branding & Communication Designer.

While they didn't secure funding, the exposure proved invaluable. The appearance catalyzed increased visibility, followers, and opportunities for collaborations and projects. The experience also provided crucial insights into startup operations, fundraising, and the art of pitching to investors - skills not typically covered in architectural education.

One notable moment came when Shark Namita Thapar criticized their open-source approach. However, the team stood firm on their values. "We open source only a part of our information - one solution and our data. The rest is patented," they explain. "We believe the only way to spread climate-responsive architecture is through sharing information with the public."

Looking Ahead: The Future of CoolAnt

Today, CoolAnt continues to expand its horizons. The team recently launched a rainwater harvesting campaign and has participated in prestigious art exhibitions like RAW Collaborative and Conscious Collective. Their focus remains on making sustainable solutions more accessible to the average homeowner.

When asked about tackling future climate challenges, including the projected need for one billion ACs by 2050, Pranjal emphasizes the importance of collective action: "Individual contributions coming together make a difference. Just as we collectively created these problems, we need to solve them together - one person at a time."

Architects as Entrepreneurs: The New Era of Design and Business

The journey from architect to entrepreneur is often filled with challenges, and the traditional architectural education doesn’t always prepare designers for the business side of things. However, many architects today are taking the plunge into entrepreneurship, bringing fresh ideas and innovative approaches to the table. As Pranjal observes, “Through design and workflow understanding, architects are more adaptable to the workflow of a business. I think the sky is the limit.”

More architects are establishing their unique businesses and contributing to the transformation of the industry. CoolAnt stands as an example of how the combination of architectural knowledge, innovation, and entrepreneurship can lead to meaningful change—both in design and sustainability. From designing climate-responsive installations to redefining architecture as a business, CoolAnt is helping shape the future of sustainable design, one innovative solution at a time. As they continue to grow and inspire, their impact on the architectural world and beyond is sure to leave a lasting mark.

Stay tuned for more such inspiring stories about startups by Indian architects.