I have built my career over the last 12 years across consulting, government, impact investing and global nonprofits, gaining a unique perspective on how policy, capital, sustainability and ideas come together to drive change. I have mobilised over $20M in funding, managed teams of 2–10 people, and advised philanthropists and policymakers on complex challenges.
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Climate Catalyst annual retreat, Barcelona, Spain
Speaking on technology pathways at the 2024 IGSN annual meeting, New Delhi
Based in the United Kingdom, Nandan is a Programme Lead at Climate Catalyst , an international non-profit start-up dedicated to galvanising the collective power of businesses, investors and civil society to influence and accelerate policy change.
In his previous role at India Climate Collaborative , he led India Climate Leaders (ICL) , an initiative focused on building the climate philanthropic ecosystem in India, working with partners like Rockefeller Foundation and Climate Lead.
At ICC, developing the first cohort of domestic philanthropic leaders in India committed to climate
Between 2020–23 at Omidyar Network India , he sourced and managed investments across Digital Society, Governance & Citizen Engagement, and Property Rights initiatives. He also led the firm's Non-Profit Sector Development and Migration portfolios.
Speaking at the launch of the Safe & Responsible Migration Initiative (SRMI)
In consulting engagements at FTI Consulting , he advised clients like Virgin Hyperloop One, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, DP World, Responsible Mica Initiative, etc. on their public affairs and communications strategy.
At FTI Consulting, developed a case for the firm's entry into sustainability consulting and developed unique ESG and investor action-focused thought leadership, such as the Asia Disclosure Index
Speaking on the future of multi-modal transportation at the AvH Futures Forum in Hangzhou, China
Nandan began his career managing legislative strategy for over 100+ Members of Parliament from both the houses, while serving as Chief of Staff to Member of Parliament Professor Rajeev Gowda . He has also been a LAMP Fellow with PRS Legislative Research .
Co-authored a book chapter on cronyism and its links to Indian politics, widely cited in leading journals
Several high-profile leaders have shared my writings, including former UN Undersecretary General Shashi Tharoor
Between 2016–18, Nandan was in Berlin as a German Chancellor Fellow (Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung) and was a visiting scholar at the WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management.
Visiting Fellow at the Institute of Industrial Organisation, WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management. Research focused on building urban climate resilience in Indian and European cities
Giving my first short speech in German in Bonn at the end of an intensive language course. My proficiency in German and French remains at A1, but I am conversant in 4 Indian languages
He is visiting faculty in several media and policy schools. He has taught courses and workshops in public policy, design thinking, international development, and political communication at the MIT School of Government, University of Minnesota, Jindal University etc.
Facilitated over 50 workshops in policymaking & strategic communications for young professionals and university students
In the past, his writings have appeared in several national and international magazines and portals including The Conversation, Huffington Post, U.S News, The Diplomat, Scroll, Mint etc.
To read all writings, click on the Writing section of this website
Nandan holds a Master's degree in International Studies and Diplomacy , majoring in Economics and Climate Policy from SOAS, University of London, and a Bachelor's degree in media and communication from Symbiosis International University, India.
At the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London
In 2016, he was a Fred J. Hansen Leadership Fellow at the University of San Diego's School of Leadership and Education Sciences.
Won a prestigious scholarship to represent India at the Hansen Leadership Institute in San Diego, USA
Outside of work, Nandan enjoys playing badminton, finding joy in cricket and Bollywood trivia, reading business non-fiction, savouring South Asian cuisine, and sharing his interests as a podcast host.
Host a podcast on early career moves of successful young professionals for Hushl, an AI content platform
Nandan alternates his time between Manchester, United Kingdom where he is currently based with his wife Dr. Radhika Acharya and Bangalore, where he calls home. His early years include 14 years spent living in Nigeria.
Supporting my favourite team the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Chinnaswamy cricket stadium in Bangalore
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