On a mission to take a sustainable leap forward for humankind...
​​Hi! I'm Akshay, a Designer x Strategist working in climate.
I'm an entrepreneurial product leader who is passionate about building solutions that reduce carbon emissions, increase kinship/empathy, and protect biodiversity.
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Email: adinakar@alumni.stanford.edu
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Quick links:
My career story (so far!):​
I've spent the past year leading product & business strategy at Focal, a climate tech company designing smart electric heaters (to eliminate propane gas usage) in restaurants & outdoor hospitality.
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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!
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Since graduating from Stanford in 2019 (where I studied Product Design & Psychology), I've dedicated much of my free time to researching, accelerating, and advocating for cross-disciplinary solutions to climate change. This has drawn me into a diversity of life experiences, including:
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Climate activism volunteering with Citizens' Climate Lobby, Pacific Beach Coalition, and American Energy Society.
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Studying abroad in Copenhagen - where I researched electrification, urban permaculture, & ecofeminism.
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Living / working on an organic farm (WWOOF program!)
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Advising a handful of climate startups, as well as building out side projects across genAI storytelling (@Imagine.Climate), food insecurity (Homegrown), and tidal power!​​​​​
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On the personal side – 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.
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 : nanosuction music stands for traveling musicians.
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Diya : laser-cut bamboo lamps, designed for self-assembly.​
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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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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. ​