Using Technology to Save Lives: A Conversation with Srishti Sundram

Q: How do you describe your work and what drives you professionally?

Srishti Sundram: I’m an entrepreneur and technology leader focused on building innovations that save lives and create meaningful impact at scale. I’m deeply passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems, whether that’s in healthcare, food systems, or economic opportunity.

Over the years, my work has ranged from securing a U.S. patent for neonatal care technology that has helped more than one million babies worldwide, including in conflict zones, to building consumer platforms that have generated millions of dollars in economic opportunities for small businesses.

Q: Your journey began far from Silicon Valley. Can you talk about your early life in India?

Srishti: I grew up in Bhagalpur, a small town in Bihar, one of the poorest states in India. The environment was challenging, but it shaped my perspective early on. Education was my pathway forward.

I was the first person in my extended family to attend the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). The admissions process is extremely competitive, and I studied mechanical engineering with a focus on robotics. That experience laid the technical foundation for everything that followed.

Q: What early achievements helped define your trajectory as an engineer?

Srishti: During my time at IIT, I won the best final-year project award in the mechanical engineering department. I built a 3D targeting system using image processing and robotics; it was a physical prototype and a great learning experience.

I was also part of a robotics team that won India’s national Robocon competition, which allowed us to represent the country internationally in Tokyo. Those experiences reinforced my belief that technology could be both innovative and impactful.

Q: How did your work shift from robotics to life-saving healthcare innovation?

Srishti: After graduating, I joined Embrace, where I worked on neonatal care technology and eventually acquired the patent. That technology has gone on to help save the lives of newborns globally.

One moment that stayed with me was when an early customer told me the product had saved her baby’s life. That feedback became a lifelong motivator for me to keep applying technology in ways that directly serve humanity.

Q: What led you to move to the United States and pursue further education?

Srishti: In 2016, I moved to the U.S. to attend Stanford University, where I earned my MBA, a highly selective program. I also studied startups and machine learning, and later completed a Master of Science in Environmental Resources.

Stanford broadened my perspective beyond engineering. It helped me understand systems, business models, and how technology intersects with sustainability and human behavior.

Q: How did your role at Jupiter evolve?

Srishti: I initially joined Jupiter as a part-time employee after graduating. Over five years, my role evolved as I took on more responsibility, eventually becoming Chief Customer Officer and later being appointed Co-Founder.

When I moved on from Jupiter to start Tangy Tea, I oversaw the part of the organization that generates more than 95% of the company’s revenue. We paid out $2 million to over 100 creators, essentially supporting more than 100 small businesses, and I managed multi-million-dollar budgets for brand partners.

Q: Beyond operations, you’re also recognized as a thought leader. What does that look like in practice?

Srishti: I’m a member of the Forbes Technology Council and have written for Forbes on topics related to food marketing and technology trends. I also served as a judge for awards such as the Stevie Awards for Tech Excellence and the DigiDay Awards.

For me, thought leadership isn’t about visibility; it’s about contributing practical insights that help industries evolve responsibly.

Q: What do you plan to achieve via Tangy Tea, and why?

Srishti: During my time at Jupiter, I saw small and mid-scale CPGs struggle with multi-channel marketing and measurement. They end up wasting their limited resources coordinating with multiple agencies and trying ineffective solutions that don’t drive incremental awareness and commerce needed. While we are very early, through Tangy Tea, we want to leverage AI to help CPGs effectively run their multi-channel campaigns, and get the most out of their marketing dollars. This will help small brands thrive and enable high-quality options for the end consumer.

Q: How do you handle setbacks when products don’t perform as expected?

Srishti: One early Jupiter product received poor customer feedback after launch. Instead of pushing forward blindly, I worked closely with the team to listen to users and make improvements.

That process ultimately led to over 120% net revenue retention. It reinforced my belief that customer-driven iteration isn’t optional; it’s essential.

Q: What principles guide your leadership philosophy?

Srishti: I live by a few core principles: always be a learner and invest in yourself. Be genuinely invested in the growth of the people you work with.

And if you’re in a position of power, be a voice for the weak. Impact should always extend beyond personal success.