In Apricum, Ritika Kapoor has found a perfect match for her passion for sustainability, cleantech innovation and problem-solving. In Ritika, Apricum has found an enthusiastic team member, highly motivated by the complexity of the projects we work on, with high intellectual curiosity and personal drive.
Let’s find out more about Ritika.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO JOIN APRICUM?
I am deeply passionate about impact and the innovation potential of cleantech, and I love problem solving. Apricum provides a flourishing home ground for both of my intellectual interests. Everyone in the firm is extremely passionate, knowledgeable and accomplished in their areas of expertise. This environment provides me with endless motivation to improve daily and add to my own set of skills.
I’ve always strived for a place where both the engineering and sustainability aspects of my background are well appreciated. There is no place that matches my career ambitions more than Apricum.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE APRICUM IN THREE WORDS?
Impact. Innovation. Passion.
SO FAR, WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PROJECT?
We recently concluded a technical due diligence project for a direct-air-capture technology. The concept is almost from a dystopic science fiction novel, but we need to resort to it to prevent irreversible tipping points in the climate system.
However, I really enjoyed looking into the different physio-chemical innovation paths that start-ups have taken in this field. I felt proud of my team’s core scientific and engineering expertise, which was critical in evaluating the claims of the technology and delivering some key decisive insights to our client looking to invest in these technologies. This expertise continues to inspire me at Apricum.
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR DOWNTIME?
During the blissful summers of Berlin, I relish spending entire days outdoors in the park, either catching up on reading for my book club, enjoying a picnic with friends, or simply lying in the grass watching the clouds. Summer downtime also indulges another one of my vices: I can’t pass by an ice cream shop without stopping for a scoop!
At other times, my friends and I love exploring unique workout classes. I’m also reconnecting with my passion for Indian classical and folk-dance forms, which I thoroughly enjoyed back in India. When I’m not engaged in these activities, I always have a podcast playing in the background, usually focusing on topics related to travel, history or the environment. If you have any fun recommendations, feel free to share!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF OR SOMEONE SEEKING A CAREER IN CLEANTECH?
My suggestion would be to let oneself run away with curiosity for cleantech. If one has the time, they should feel free to dive into research rabbit holes about different technologies and their emerging trends, exploring not only the technological aspects but also their geopolitical and financial implications.
There are numerous webinars organized by various research institutes, along with countless reports (especially by the IEA), which I would recommend going through.
Trying to connect with experts and professionals in the field is also an exciting way to build both knowledge and network. Behind cleantech is a fundamental hope and passion for a sustainable future, so I would also recommend keeping an eye out for the social and environmental trade offs that come with certain technologies and how we can best strive to mitigate those implications while pursuing our critical net-zero agendas.
DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE AT APRICUM
Being a consultant at Apricum means that one can enjoy researching about a variety of topics pertaining to a particular climate technology within the scope of a project. We are usually aligned to one or more work streams of a project, e.g., for a due diligence, I could be looking into competitors and how they compare to each other on their proposed USP.
The team is always focused on my growth beyond a particular project. I feel like my opinions and suggestions regarding a project are heard or considered irrespective of hierarchies. This creates an exciting and dedicated environment for a project.
In addition to project work, I am also involved in our internal market research team, which produces quarterly updates on trends across the globe in our market models.
WHAT DO YOU APPRECIATE MOST ABOUT THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT AT APRICUM?
Everyone at Apricum is really focused on helping the team grow beyond the tasks we’re working on together. When I first joined Apricum, I was contacted by so many colleagues who were interested in knowing my story and motivation for joining Apricum. So, it always feels like I have my team’s support.
Another aspect I really appreciate is that we are all focused on learning and updating ourselves with the latest trends in cleantech. We often have chat clubs that promote exciting discussions on topics beyond the projects we’re working on.
EDUCATION
HEC Paris, France
M.Sc. Sustainability and Social Innovation
Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh, India
B.Tech. Electronics and Communication Engineering
We are actively working on our goal of achieving equal representation of women at Apricum. We are committed to an inclusive company culture, offering equal opportunities, and fostering transparent and open communication. We act on what arises in quarterly mentee chats and honor upward feedback. This, we will always continue to do. If you would like to work at Apricum, please visit our careers page for a list of vacancies. For any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Cate Holtz, Talent Acquisition and Development Manager.