Core team

 

Sathya Raghu Mokkapati
Co-Founder & CEO

Kheyti’s co-founder, is one of the brains behind the innovative “Greenhouse-in-a-Box,” a game-changer for small farmers that secured the Earthshot Prize 2022, a story he shared on the TED stage. Leading CosmosGreen and Soul Forest, he channels his fun-loving spirit into reimagining a world where nature and human prosperity grow hand in hand.

Ayush Sharma
Co-Founder and
Chief of R&D

Co-Founding Cosmos Green and Kheyti, this Equity Analyst  turned Modern Farmer, is using his extensive knowledge in agronomy to lead research and development efforts at Soul Forest. He loves traveling, besides meeting smallholder farmers.

Joyson Gunturi
Leadership

A Chartered Accountant turned agri-intrapreneur, he’s deeply dedicated to building purposeful enterprises. Recognized as the ultimate problem solver with a strong background in finance and negotiation skills, he’s harnessing his expertise to create biodiverse spaces like Soul Forest.

Nikhil Sharma
Head of Operations

An IIT-educated engineer with 16 years of corporate leadership and EdTech entrepreneurship, he embodies dynamic business acumen and a passion for innovation. His commitment to sustainable solutions and hands-on problem-solving is the catalyst behind transformative projects like Soul Forest.

Causate
Marketing and
Strategy Partner

Causate is a young advertising and strategy agency with a global clientele spanning Bengaluru to London. They’ve earned acclaim as a brand launchpad, elevating a number of businesses to the top spot in India and the UK. Their strategic and marketing acumen was pivotal in bringing Soul Forest to life.

Divya Sharma
Partnerships

With a foundation in Economics from Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi, she seamlessly blends her corporate experience with her passion for social impact. Her outstanding communication prowess and keen attention to detail are crucial in rallying stakeholders and cultivating a spirit of collaboration at Soul Forest.

Harini Shanker
Research and Documentation

A Food Science alumni from Pennsylvania State University, USA, she is deeply involved in agricultural research, focusing on biodiversity and climate change initiatives at Soul Forest. Her rigorous methodology, with a strong emphasis on detailed documentation and replicability, is instrumental in nurturing the development of comparable sustainable environments.

Naresh Baja
Biodiversity and Plantations Associate

An Environmental Scientist with a focus on Biodiversity Cataloging and Conservation, he is advancing towards a Ph.D. in Wildlife. His profound knowledge of animal species distinguishes his work, fueling his ambition to cultivate diverse ecosystems and apply his specialized skills to the enrichment of Soul Forest.

Dr. Ramesh Kandagatla
Biodiversity and Plantations Associate

A seasoned Botanist with a PhD, he has made substantial contributions to biodiversity cataloging and carbon sequestration initiatives. His deep knowledge of indigenous flora and their unique traits makes him a vital asset to the Soul Forest team.

Kumar Abhinav
Farm Operations

With a Mechanical Engineering background, he transitioned from a corporate role in a tractor division to Cosmos Green, where he has been a pivotal team member for a decade. His disciplined and collaborative efforts in forest creation are essential to the vitality and growth of these green spaces.

Lakshman Sabhavat
Plantations Associate

As a young local agronomist with unique indigenous knowledge honed at Kheyti, his expertise is invaluable in steering Soul Forest toward the adoption of sustainable farming practices, integrating eco-friendly agricultural methods.

Sashikanth Kaja
Events and marketing

A catalyst for social change, he founded and nurtured a purpose-driven venture for 12 years, embarking on this journey at the age of 20. A devoted advocate of nature, he is an enthusiastic runner, completing over 20 half and full marathons, and finds solace in the great outdoors and the company of animals.

Advisory Board

 

Professor Dr. Vasudevarao Vaidyula

A retired professor and former Principal Scientist & Head at AINP on Vertebrate Pest Management of PJTSAU, he has authored 265 research papers on Biodiversity Conservation and Pest Management . He also played a key role in creating the Biodiversity Park at PJTSAU and developed 23 pioneering technologies in the field.

P. Ramakrishna Pachigolla

After spending decades in the leadership of PwC, he currently runs his boutique investment fund ‘Utthishta’ and investment bank ‘Artha Arbitrage’. He mentors start-ups and guides them to scale. His strategies helped CosmosGreen navigate some of the most challenging days. He is the first investor into CosmosGreen and is an evangelist for biodiversity conservation.