Greenairy, a startup founded by engineering students Tanvi Thombre and Lakshya Saraf, is developing smart plant towers designed to improve indoor air quality in workplaces by targeting toxic gases rather than just particulate matter. The founders’ interest in indoor air pollution began after an incident at their university makerspace exposed them to harmful fumes from equipment like laser cutters and 3D printers. They discovered that while traditional air purifiers are effective in removing dust and pollen, they often fall short in eliminating volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and benzine, which pose significant health risks and contribute to conditions like sick building syndrome.

Greenairy’s plant towers function by creating an environment where plants and microbes can efficiently break down these dangerous gases, releasing purified air back into the office. Unlike conventional potted plants, their towers use controlled conditions to accelerate the cleansing process, making the system more effective and natural compared to filters that require frequent replacement. This approach also avoids producing harmful by-products, positioning it as a sustainable solution for improving air quality in commercial spaces, including offices, schools, and salons.

The startup has conducted pilot programs in various Singaporean offices using RESET-certified air monitors, comparing their plant towers against medical-grade ionizers and HEPA purifiers. Greenairy’s towers achieved the lowest VOC concentrations and the fastest removal rates, with staff reporting a preference for the natural fresh aroma and ambiance created by the greenery. Initial results showed a 50% decrease in average and peak VOC levels during operating hours, with performance expected to improve further as the plants and microbial communities mature.

Greenairy will participate in TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 as part of the Startup Battlefield 200. The company is currently preparing for large-scale manufacturing, pending certification of their results by TÜV SÜD, a renowned German testing organization. Founders Saraf and Thombre, based respectively in Berkeley and Singapore, plan to both relocate to Singapore by mid-2027 to launch the first mass-produced smart plant towers and begin installations for their inaugural customers in the region.