Open to opportunities

Punija Dash

@punija

India

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking for roles where I can execute circular and net-zero strategies—turning waste reduction into measurable ESG and profit outcomes, supporting carbon and resource optimization initiatives, and partnering closely to deliver results.

I work in circular economy and sustainability consulting, with experience in ESG strategy, sustainability communication, research, and systems thinking for businesses and SMEs.

Over the years, I’ve worked with startups and organizations across sustainability, climate-tech, responsible sourcing, packaging, and environmental strategy. I’m especially interested in practical sustainability — work that is realistic, economically viable, and actually implementable instead of performative.

Alongside consulting, I also write and research extensively on environmental systems, culture, social behaviour, and power structures. I enjoy work that requires both analytical thinking and creativity.

Currently looking for remote opportunities in:
• ESG and sustainability research
• Circular economy projects
• Sustainability communication and content
• Strategy and research support
• Climate-tech and impact-focused teams

I work best in thoughtful, independent environments that value clarity, depth, and long-term thinking.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Founder, Circular Economy

Current

Xetanova

Sep 2021 - Present (4 years 9 months)

Founded Xetanova and executed circular economy and corporate ESG strategies, including circular business development and waste optimization programs. Delivered net zero strategy execution and vendor ecosystem enablement through certification-focused offerings.

Circular Economy ESG & Sustainability Waste Optimization Corporate ESG Programs Carbon Taxes

Current

Founder, Utkirtana

Current

Utkirtana

Aug 2016 - Present (9 years 10 months)

Founded Utkirtana and continued providing business strategy work focused on circular systems, resource optimization, and sustainability-aligned outcomes.

Business Sustainability Sustainability Strategy Corporate Responsibility Planning Sustainable Growth Focus

Freelance Business Strategist

Freelance

Sep 2020 - Mar 2024 (3 years 6 months)

Provided freelance business strategy services, with a focus on sustainability and circular economy enablement for business growth and profitability.

Business Strategy Circular Economy Consulting Corporate ESG Support Net Zero Readiness Waste Optimization Programs Stakeholder Management

Research Analyst

Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology

Nov 2018 - Jun 2020 (1 year 7 months)

Conducted surveillance of freshwater fish and shellfish diseases across selected districts of Odisha and supported research monitoring efforts for aquaculture health.

Fish & Shellfish Disease Surveillance Aquaculture Health Monitoring Microbiology Field Data Collection District Level Research Biosecurity Focused Research

Microbiology Analyst

ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA)

Oct 2017 - Aug 2018 (10 months)

Analyzed plankton productivity in relation to seasonality and nutrient interactions in peninsular aquaculture systems. Supported aquaculture microbiology research through laboratory and observational data work.

Plankton Productivity Analysis Microbiology Analysis Laboratory Sample Work Scientific Documentation

Research Analyst

Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology

Jul 2016 - Jan 2017 (6 months)

Performed qualitative analysis of crop efficiency and soil health, including microflora growth rate after incorporation of low-grade rock phosphate in acidic soils of Odisha.

Crop Efficiency Assessment Microflora Growth Analysis Rock Phosphate Amendment Studies Acidic Soil Research Agricultural Research

Research Project Assistant

Global Biotechnology Research Project

May 2015 - Dec 2015 (7 months)

Worked on a biotechnology research project producing plantlets using tissue culture techniques for large-scale supply. Supported in vitro plant production processes and associated research activities.

Tissue Culture Techniques In Vitro Propagation Plantlet Production Biotechnology Research Support Large Scale Supply Work Biotechnology