From Research to Startup – The Story of TriNano Technologies

Early Journey: 

Born in Mumbai and raised in Ajmer due to his father’s work, Dr. Sethi completed his schooling there before pursuing Engineering in Material Science and Metallurgy at VNIT, Nagpur. In 2019, he earned a PhD in Management from American National University, USA.

Dr. Sethi’s early professional years were marked by experimentation. He worked for a few years in industry, but his interest lay in entrepreneurship. A brief partnership in a manufacturing venture in Navi Mumbai ended prematurely when his partner passed away and the company was shut down. Over the next few years, he attempted several businesses linked to material science, but all faced the same obstacle—lack of capital. With limited personal resources and banks hesitant to provide loans in the 1990s, his ventures folded within months. Determined to build financial strength first, he returned to employment for nearly a decade.

Establishing a Foundation:

In 1999, Dr. Sethi founded Neon Infotech, a consulting company specializing in engineering software solutions. Initially a one-man enterprise, the firm gradually expanded, securing projects from major clients. By 2007, the company had established offices in Mumbai, Jaipur, and Bengaluru, and extended services internationally to Myanmar and Thailand. This success provided the stability Dr. Sethi needed to explore innovation in renewable energy—an area gaining momentum globally due to rising oil prices and government incentives.

Innovation in Solar Technology:

A turning point came when an oil company in Konkan commissioned Neon Infotech to set up a solar plant. Local villagers, attempting to clean the panels by climbing on them, caused micro-cracks, reducing efficiency. The company requested a more resilient solution.

At a seminar, Dr. Sethi met Dr. Anshu Dandia, a green chemistry expert, and Dr. Tanujjal Bora, a nanotechnology specialist. Together, they began developing a protective nano-coating for solar panels. Their first field trial in 2018 delivered promising results—the coated panels functioned reliably for two years. However, business prospects faltered as the client lost interest.

The breakthrough came when a scientist from the Ministry of Renewable Energy advised Dr. Sethi to retest the product under formal evaluation. Following restructuring as a startup and filing patents, the tests produced highly positive results, laying the foundation for TriNano Technologies.

Birth of TriNano Technologies:

In 2022, TriNano Technologies Pvt. Ltd. was officially launched. The company’s proprietary inorganic ceramic oxide nano-coating, applied via electro-deposition, delivers three distinct advantages:

• Light Trapping – optimizing solar absorption, even in shaded or low-light areas
• Self-Cleaning – minimizing maintenance needs and operational downtime
• Anti-Reflection – reducing light loss and improving overall efficiency

The coating is just 0.4 microns thick—thinner than a strand of human hair—yet significantly enhances performance. It increases energy output by around 4%, extends panel lifespan by 2–3 years, and reduces cleaning requirements by 55%. Whether in the sandy climate of Rajasthan or the humid conditions of Mumbai, the coating has demonstrated consistent effectiveness. Today, TriNano counts leading corporates such as Adani, Tata, and Waaree among its clients.

Recognition and Growth:

TriNano’s innovation has earned wide recognition at both national and international levels. It has been featured in Forbes India’s list of Top 100 Startups, and its patented technology continues to attract industry attention as a game-changer in solar energy efficiency. The company’s ability to integrate advanced materials science with practical renewable energy applications has positioned it as a significant contributor to India’s clean energy future.

Advice for Entrepreneurs:

Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Dr. Sethi highlights persistence as the cornerstone of success. “Challenges are inevitable,” he notes. “Self-belief, perseverance, and an entrepreneurial mindset are essential. Even when technology is proven, transforming it into a viable business takes time. Patience and resilience are crucial.”