How it all started...
Back in 2019, Saif Bhatti was juggling classes at Northwestern University, majoring in industrial engineering and philosophy.
One day, after learning about the alarming rates of wildlife poaching, he found himself inspired to make a difference.
If you’ve ever witnessed the beauty of wildlife, you understand why conservation matters.
With this motivation, Saif launched Renoster while in school, kickstarting a journey into tech-driven conservation.
Today’s story is all about turning a small school project into an impactful startup.
But FIRST
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Leveraging campus resources
We met Saif back in 2022 during OCE summer cohort, his passion for conservation and sustainability was infectious.
Initially, Renoster began as a research project using bio-acoustic monitoring technology to combat wildlife poaching.
Saif developed an audio-processing script based on a linear programming language he learned in his courses. The devices could detect the sound of poacher gunshots and send alerts.
To get the project kickstarted, Saif fully leveraged the resources on campus, securing funding from the Resnick Family Social Impact Program through his school- Northwestern, as well as an undergraduate research grant from the McCormick School of Engineering – also at Northwestern.
“The Institute for Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern (ISEN) has been a key support, believing in us from day one,” Saif recalls.
“They introduced us to The Nature Conservancy (TNC), which allowed us to do some real field testing.”
His early testing included a pilot at TNC-managed preserve in Oregon and then in Thornybush Game Reserve in South Africa.
But show up enough in the field, and you’re bound to gain valuable insights…
Some times you gotta pivot…
While working with TNC, Saif learned there was a bigger opportunity than just using hardware for alerts.
“I could remove it,” he realized.
Equipped with new learnings, he applied for Techstars in Boulder, Colorado, gaining support and mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs.
Saif and the Renoster team spent 13 weeks preparing for Demo Day—the pinnacle of the program where they showcased their business model to investors.
“We came in as a hardware startup, but we’ve really questioned everything,” he reflects.
They pivoted towards delivering precise, real-time green project monitoring with clear sustainability metrics.
Saif explains that they transitioned from hardware development into the data science realm, leveraging off-the-shelf (OTS) sensors.
“Now we collect data year-round instead of once a year,” he says, which allows for comprehensive insights shared with organizations.
The goal? Provide carbon credit investors with data and strategies demonstrating the impact of their investments in conservation.
As he points out, “carbon credits are becoming the vehicle for sustainability and conservation projects. Renoster acts as a monitoring and evaluation piece that connects the growing green project industry.”
A Passion for Impact
At the core of Saif’s journey is a desire to make a difference. “It’s about combining environmental impact and capital investment,” he explains.
His journey reflects valuable lessons for aspiring young entrepreneurs. “The business model is the single most important thing to get right before building a great product,” he stresses.
Through his experiences with Renoster, Saif has learned to be resilient and adaptable. “We weren’t trying to get rich overnight,” he emphasizes. “It’s all about the long game.”
What’s next?
To date, Renoster has raised $3.7M to scale their vision in rebuilding the deep trust in the carbon markets.
They’re excited to leverage their hardware roots while navigating the data science and capital investment landscape to ensure a meaningful impact on environmental sustainability and conservation.
Advice for Future Changemakers
So, what can teens looking to start their own ventures take away from Saif’s story? Here are four key insights:
1. Leverage Your School's Network
The best time to start a business is while you are in school because “Finding mentors and advisors who believe in your mission is crucial,” Saif says. “ISEN and TNC were pivotal in our early days.”
2. Be Open to Adaptation
“Don’t be afraid to pivot your business model. Flexibility can lead to greater opportunities,” he advises.
3. Focus on the Impact
“It’s not just about making money; it’s about making a difference. Align your business goals with a positive impact on the world,” Saif emphasizes.
4. Embrace Learning
“Every experience is a chance to learn and grow. Take notes, ask questions, and be curious,” he adds.
And with that class dismissed.
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PS. This summer, we are going to tackle pressing global issues and drive innovation in regions (such as your own community) where it is needed the most. Want in?
We run a summer cohort for ambitious youth (high school and undergrads) to work directly with world-class founders while learning from Silicon Valley leaders.
You can also explore purposeful opportunities through our Impact Internship Opportunities Database.
Get Curious.
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Lena
https://www.openclassroomexperience.com/
