Recognized as a leading young entrepreneur for his pioneering work in promoting eco-friendly polymers in the world Okinawa, Japan – EF Polymer, a developer of 100% organic superabsorbent polymers, announced today that its Founder and CEO, Narayan Lal Gurjar, has been named to the Forbes Under 30 Asia 2024 list. Additionally, Ankit Jain, co-founder and Chief Business Development Officer (CBDO), has also been honored on this prestigious list. This recognition highlights their pioneering efforts in advancing eco-friendly polymer solutions across Asia. About Forbes Under 30 Asia 2024Forbes Under 30 is an award that highlights young talents under the age of 30 who are poised to lead the next generation. This initiative by Forbes since 2011, now extends to 25 countries and regions, including Europe, Asia, and Africa. This year, the Asian edition of the Forbes Under 30 awards recognizes leaders across 10 different fields. Narayan Gurjar of EF Polymer has been honored in the "Industry, Manufacturing & Energy" category. Forbes Under 30 recognizes leaders in the following 10 areas of interest: Entertainment & Sports Finance & Venture Capital Enterprise Technology Media, Marketing & Advertising Consumer Technology Industry, Manufacturing & Energy The Arts (Art, Style, Drink) Social Impact Retail & eCommerce Healthcare & Science Narayan Gurjar, Founder and CEO of EF Polymer, said, "We are delighted that our efforts, which began with the single-minded desire to help farmers around the world suffering from water shortages, have been recognized in such a meaningful way. It is gratifying to see the recent increase in environmental awareness and the growing number of people committed to sustainability on a global scale. However, true impact requires cooperation. We believe that startups like ours can create new value and synergies by collaborating with large corporations, breaking through traditional barriers. We will continue to work alongside those who share our vision to address environmental and social issues." EF Polymer plans to raise Series B financing next spring. The company seeks for support to expand its overseas operations, especially in the U.S., one of the focus regions, and is looking for partnerships, including with foreign investors. Biography of Narayan Gurjar and History of EF PolymerNarayan Gurjar, 26, Founder and CEO of EF Polymer originates from a rural village in the state of Rajasthan, India, with a population of about 300 people. 2014: As a high school student, he conceived the idea for EF Polymer technology after witnessing his father, a farmer, struggle to grow crops due to water shortages. 2018: Developed a prototype of EF Polymer and started a business (initially a small production company in India) while still a student at an agricultural university in India, majoring in agricultural engineering. Narayan was 20 years old at the time. 2019: Moved to Japan after being selected for the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) Accelerator. 2020: Established EF Polymer K.K. in Okinawa, Japan (headquarters). Commenced sales in the Indian market. 2021: Launched sales in the Japanese market. 2023: Raised 4 million USD in Series A financing and began sales in the U.S. market. 2024: Expanded and relocated the manufacturing plant in India. Started sales in the French market, and established a local subsidiary in Delaware, U.S.A. As of May 2024, EF Polymer employs 18 people at its Okinawa headquarters (including overseas and remote workers) and nearly 40 at its office in India. Related articlesForbes Under 30 Asia 2024 List：https://www.forbes.com/30-under-30/2024/asia/ About Forbes Under 30 Asia：https://www.forbes.com/sites/ranawehbe/2024/05/15/meet-the-forbes-30-under-30-asia-class-of-2024/?sh=71f82fe45955 About EF PolymerEF Polymer is a deep-tech startup that produces 100% organic super absorbent polymer (SAP) made out of orange peels. Our eco-friendly polymer that can be used in agriculture to help farmers reduce their production cost mainly in water and fertilizer usage, while increasing yield. EF Polymer is also collaborating with companies to develop products using our organic SAPs for personal care products, ice packs, cosmetics, etc. Through the widespread use of our products, we aim to solve environmental problems, particularly water shortages. https://efpolymer.com/ For media inquiries or further information, please contact:Kyoji Nakao+81-050-3628-8676kyoji.nakao@efpolymer.com