On a mission to take a sustainable leap forward for humankind...
​​Hi! I'm Akshay, a Designer x Strategist working in climate tech.
I'm an entrepreneurial product leader who is passionate about building solutions that increase kinship/empathy, reduce carbon emissions, and protect biodiversity.
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Email: adinakar@alumni.stanford.edu
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Quick links:
​What I'm currently up to :
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​Climate-focused Activism, Entrepreneurship, & Advising.
In addition to volunteering with Citizens' Climate Lobby, I've WWOOFed on a farm and spent a month living in Copenhagen, where I studied electrification and ecofeminism.
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I just wrapped up 6 months at Focal (smart electric heaters that warm people, rather than entire spaces), where I led design / strategy.
I'm currently advising a handful of climate startups, as well as building out side projects across genAI storytelling (check out @Imagine.Climate), food insecurity (Homegrown), and tidal power!​​​
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Previously, I co-founded Tangible, a venture-backed consumer hardware company (focused on helping long-distance relationships) that was invited to pitch on Shark Tank!
On the personal side :
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I'm now a Californian, but grew up in the Midwest. If I'm not in design-mode, you'll likely find me sketching blueprints, recording violin covers, writing short-story mysteries, hanging rim on the basketball court, or pampering my backyard chickens.
​Older projects & published works are shared below!
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Projects
PRODUCTS​
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Focal : radiant heaters designed to warm people, not spaces.
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Homegrown : transform your garden into a digital farmstand.
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Tangible : teleportation pillows for long-distance relationships.
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Stikato : origami music stands for traveling musicians.
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Diya : IKEA-style laser-cut bamboo lamps.​
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Moonwalk : haptic balance prosthetic for neuropathy patients.
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PROTOTYPES
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Imagine.Climate : using genAI to create climate concept art.
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Tidal Generators : capturing energy from crashing waves.
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Puff : remotely inflating plushies for long-distance families.
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IV Stand Base : protecting patients from foot injuries / bruises.
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Ostomy Bag : for comfortable irrigation in public restrooms.
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Stradavinci : bow a violin by flexing your toes.
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Terrain : shape-shifting matrix, responsive to location-pressure.
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Vibraflow : modular & low-cost 3D-printed electric violins.​​
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Beatclipse : cosmic-themed loveseat that transforms into an eclipse when the heartbeats of users sync up.
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Frictionless : spinning foot massage robot.
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Glowbes : adorable orbs to keep you company in the dark.
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Party Suit : LED costume with lasers & in-built speakers.
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Digital Portfolio (UI/UX) linked here.
Writing
Creative Current : 50 Ideation Techniques to Spark Your Lightbulb. (Amazon)
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Intentional Living : A guide to using the design mindset to improve your living space & community. (Amazon)
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Will You Play With Me? : A children's book on empathy & inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. (Amazon)
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The Top 30 Things I Learned at Stanford : Snippets of knowledge & golden rules from my undergraduate experience, from the perspective of a designer. (LinkedIn)
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Tasting Clouds : My mini-book of original poetry. (Amazon)
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The Exhibition : A handpicked original short story from my collection. (Short Story)
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I Scream : An original poem.
Just for Fun
​• NYO-U, a digital collection of mini-masterclass videos for aspiring classical musicians, which I founded with Carnegie Hall.
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• The Stanford Flashmob Orchestra, a group that serendipitously performed in public to spread delight.
• FroSoHappy, a movement within college dorms to spread joy. ​