Raghav Narayn is the founder and CEO of Aprisium, a deeptech startup based in Singapore. Aprisium provides real-time, autonomous contamination detection solutions, helping industries enhance profitability while achieving environmental sustainability.

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👋🏼  How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

As the CEO of Aprisium, my job is to turn science fiction into reality—by leading a super-talented team that makes sure contamination knows it has no place to hide, all while juggling more hats than a milliner.

And of course, keeping everyone convinced that I am on top of it all, even if I occasionally wonder whether it's the sixth or seventh cup of coffee for the day.

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🧐  What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?

What might surprise others about my job as CEO of Aprisium is how much time I spend navigating between cutting-edge technology and the practicalities of running a business.

While people might assume I am always focused on big-picture strategy, they might not realize that I also dive into the nitty-gritty details—whether it's troubleshooting technical challenges, driving revenues, or even dealing with unexpected crises.

And despite the high-tech nature of our company, a lot of my day is spent in selling, negotiating partnerships, and making sure everyone is aligned with the vision, all while staying adaptable to the ever-changing demands of a startup.

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🏆  What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

Despite a twenty five year career spent in senior positions across the globe, working with some of the biggest names in the corporate world, the true highlight of my journey has been starting Aprisium.

It's one thing to navigate established systems, but it's another to build something from the ground up—taking an idea from concept to reality. Founding Aprisium has been the most rewarding and challenging experience, as it allowed me to channel all my experience and passion into creating something truly impactful.

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🔍  What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?

A startup trend that I am watching this year would be the rise of sustainable technology solutions, particularly in sectors like clean energy, water management, and environmental monitoring.

Given Aprisium’s focus on environmental sustainability, keeping an eye on how other startups are innovating in these areas could provide insights into emerging technologies, potential partnerships, and market opportunities.

The increasing global emphasis on sustainability and regulatory changes make this space not only timely but also aligned with Aprisium's mission.

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💼  What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry?

Given my experience, the advice I might give someone starting out in your industry would be:

Embrace the Learning Curve: deeptech and environmental sustainability are complex fields. Be prepared to continuously learn, stay curious, and dive deep into the science and technology that drive innovation.

Build a Strong Network: Surround yourself with mentors, industry experts, and like-minded individuals. The right connections can open doors, provide guidance, and help you navigate challenges.

Stay Resilient: Startups, especially in cutting-edge industries, face many hurdles. Persistence and adaptability are key—there will be setbacks, but staying focused on your mission will help you overcome them.

Focus on Impact: Always keep in mind the bigger picture of how your work contributes to environmental sustainability. Align your goals with making a real-world difference, and this will guide your decisions and inspire others.

Don’t Be Afraid to Innovate: The industry thrives on new ideas and approaches. Be bold in your thinking and don’t shy away from challenging the status quo.

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🗣  What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours?

I could talk for hours about how the right technologies can not only drive environmental sustainability but also enhance profitability. I am passionate about the idea that by optimizing industrial processes, companies can achieve a balance between reducing their environmental impact and improving their bottom line. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where doing good for the planet also means doing well in business.

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🎥  What's your favorite movie/TV show?

My favorite shows are almost always to do with cooking. Cooking is a lot like running a startup—both demand creativity, adaptability, and precision. Just as a chef combines ingredients to create a unique dish, you blend innovative technologies, strategic thinking, and teamwork to build and scale Aprisium. In both realms, success often comes from experimenting with new ideas, fine-tuning your approach, and always aiming to delight and satisfy, whether it’s a taste bud or a client’s need.

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🍨  What's your go-to ice cream flavor?

When it comes to ice cream, I find myself delightfully torn between the nutty richness of sesame and the indulgent, boozy sweetness of rum, raisin, and nuts.

Each offers its own unique experience, making it hard to choose just one as a favorite.