Rana Hajirasouli: Leading the Charge for a Sustainable Future

Rana Hajirasouli, founder and CEO of The Surpluss, is a trailblazer in the world of climate-tech, sustainability, and industrial innovation. With over 13 years of experience, she has earned a reputation as a key thought leader in the fight against climate change, advocating for positive environmental impact through resource efficiency and collaboration. As a keynote speaker, researcher, and advocate, Rana’s career reflects her commitment to creating a future where climate-positive action is not just a goal, but a reality.

Turning Passion into Purpose: Rana’s Vision for a Greener Future

Rana’s journey into the world of sustainability began with a passion for tackling the climate crisis head-on. The founder of The Surpluss, a company focused on climate-tech and industrial symbiosis, she is dedicated to pioneering innovative solutions for resource efficiency and sustainability across industries. Rana’s work goes beyond business, as she is deeply committed to advocating for environmental stewardship and promoting the principles of the circular economy.

Her career is a reflection of her unyielding belief that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand. As she puts it, “The future of business lies in collaboration and efficiency. We need to rethink how industries interact with one another to maximize resource use and minimize waste.”

The Rise of The Surpluss: A Climate-Tech Innovator

Under Rana’s leadership, The Surpluss has become a leader in industrial symbiosis – the practice of businesses collaborating across industries to share resources and reduce waste. This approach not only drives economic growth but also helps mitigate the environmental impact of industries.

The Surpluss has made a significant mark in the GCC region by focusing on neglected climate-related business opportunities and transforming them into sustainable, profitable ventures. The company has positioned itself as a forward-thinking climate-tech innovator, driving systemic change and helping businesses shift toward more sustainable practices.

Through this company, Rana has curated events such as the UAE’s first industrial symbiosis symposium, where stakeholders from various sectors gathered to discuss sustainable business practices and explore collaboration opportunities. This event exemplified her commitment to creating spaces where businesses can learn from one another, collaborate, and create solutions for the climate crisis.

Overcoming Challenges: A Journey of Resilience and Innovation

Rana’s rise to prominence was not without its struggles. Like many entrepreneurs, she faced challenges in her pursuit of a career that married her passions for technology, sustainability, and climate change. The road to success in the climate-tech field is often marked by skepticism and resistance to change, but Rana remained resolute in her vision.

One of her major challenges was convincing businesses to adopt industrial symbiosis practices. Many organizations are entrenched in traditional methods of operating, and it can be difficult to change long-standing practices. However, Rana’s unwavering belief in the power of collaboration, combined with her ability to demonstrate the tangible benefits of sustainability, helped overcome this barrier.

Through her persistence and thought leadership, Rana has become a catalyst for change, working tirelessly to push the boundaries of what is possible when it comes to sustainability and industrial collaboration.

Achievements That Inspire: Recognition for Climate Leadership

Rana’s impact has not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous accolades for her contributions to climate-positive action and sustainability. Notably, she was included in Vanity Fair’s annual Global Goals List for UN SDG 12, an honor recognizing her efforts in promoting responsible consumption and production.

Her work has also earned her the ‘Most Outstanding Research Award’ at the Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Conference (CCES), and she was named Eco Hero of the Year by ARN in support of COP28. Rana’s recognition by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF) for her work with The Surpluss highlights her ability to bridge the gap between climate-tech innovation and real-world business solutions.

These awards and recognitions serve as a testament to her dedication and tireless work to make the world a more sustainable place. However, for Rana, these accolades are not just about personal achievement. She views them as validation of her mission to inspire others to join her in creating a greener, more resilient future.

A Thought Leader with Global Influence

In addition to her work with The Surpluss, Rana is an influential voice in the global climate-tech and sustainability conversation. With over 50 keynote presentations at international conferences, she is known for her ability to engage audiences with her research and insights on industrial symbiosis, biomimicry, and supply chain resilience.

Rana’s academic background in sustainability leadership, international law, public health, and philosophy, along with her current pursuit of a PhD at the University of Cambridge, has given her a unique, multi-disciplinary approach to tackling climate challenges. She is not just a business leader; she is a systems thinker who believes in taking a holistic view of the world’s most pressing problems.

As a member of the Harvard Climate Club ’24 and a recognized Top Innovator by the World Economic Forum (WEF), Rana continues to influence both the academic and business worlds. Her research, which focuses on industrial resilience, seeks to create solutions that will stand the test of time, helping industries adapt to the changing environmental landscape.

Advocating for Biomimicry: Emulating Nature for Sustainable Solutions

One of Rana’s personal passions lies in biomimicry, the practice of drawing inspiration from nature’s time-tested patterns to solve human problems. She believes that nature has already solved many of the challenges we face today, and by mimicking these solutions, we can create more sustainable and efficient systems.

Rana advocates for this approach in her professional and personal life, seeking ways to incorporate nature-inspired solutions into her work with The Surpluss and other sustainability initiatives. Her dedication to biomimicry is a reflection of her commitment to finding sustainable solutions that benefit both the environment and society.

Life Beyond the Boardroom: Rana’s Personal Passions

Rana’s life is not only defined by her career and academic pursuits; she also values balance and well-being. Outside of her work, she is a dedicated pug parent and a semi-professional boxer. These passions highlight her belief in maintaining a well-rounded lifestyle that includes both professional dedication and personal fulfillment.

Her love for animals, especially her pugs, serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and care, qualities that she brings into her work and life. Additionally, her passion for boxing reflects her resilient spirit and determination to push herself both mentally and physically.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Sustainability and Climate-Tech

As Rana continues to build on her impressive career, the future looks bright for both her and The Surpluss. She is determined to expand her impact by focusing on new opportunities in climate-tech innovation and cross-industrial collaboration. Her work is not just about creating a profitable business but about driving long-term, positive change for the environment and future generations.

With a strong foundation in both business and academia, Rana is poised to continue her journey as a leader in climate-tech, sustainability, and industrial innovation. Her vision is clear: to build a world where industries work together to create sustainable solutions that benefit people, businesses, and the planet.

Inspiring a New Generation: Rana’s Legacy

Rana Hajirasouli’s story is one of resilience, passion, and purpose. From overcoming challenges to becoming a recognized leader in the climate-tech and sustainability space, her journey serves as an inspiration to others who are passionate about making a difference in the world.

As she continues to innovate, speak, and advocate for sustainability, Rana is proving that one person can spark a movement. Her work is a powerful reminder that when we combine passion with action, we have the ability to create meaningful change and build a better future for all.

Rana Hajirasouli is not just a climate-tech leader; she is a force for good, shaping a sustainable future with every step she takes. Do connect on Linkedin.

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