# Anurag Bajpayee

> Anurag Bajpayee is the co-founder and executive chairman of Gradiant, an industrial water treatment company founded by MIT researchers in 2013. A mechanical engineer with a master’s and PhD from MIT, he developed directional solvent extraction research recognized by Scientific American in 2012. He led Gradiant as CEO before transitioning to executive chairman in April 2026, focusing on strategy, financing and partnerships.

- **Role:** Co-Founder & Executive Chairman at Gradiant
- **Organizations:** Gradiant, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- **Education:** BS in Mechanical Engineering, summa cum laude, University of Missouri, SM in Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, PhD in Mechanical Engineering, minor in Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- **Known for:** Developed directional solvent extraction desalination research at MIT., Research recognized in Scientific American’s 2012 Top 10 World Changing Ideas., Named a global MIT Technology Review Innovator Under 35 in 2019.

## Career timeline

- **2006** — Graduated from the University of Missouri with a BS in Mechanical Engineering.
- **2008** — Received his master’s degree from MIT.
- **2011** — Co-authored research on low-temperature membrane-free desalination by directional solvent extraction.
- **2012** — Completed his MIT PhD; directional solvent extraction work was recognized among Scientific American’s Top 10 World Changing Ideas.
- **2013** — Co-founded Gradiant with Prakash Govindan and a team from MIT.
- **2015** — Gradiant had built two 12,000-barrel-per-day treatment plants in the Permian Basin.
- **2019** — Named to MIT Technology Review’s global Innovators Under 35 list.
- **2023** — Gradiant announced a $225 million Series D first close at a $1 billion valuation.
- **2026-04** — Transitioned from CEO to executive chairman; Prakash Govindan became CEO.
- **2026-05** — Gradiant announced Series E financing at a $2 billion valuation.

## Achievements

- Developed directional solvent extraction desalination research at MIT.
- Research recognized in Scientific American’s 2012 Top 10 World Changing Ideas.
- Named a global MIT Technology Review Innovator Under 35 in 2019.
- Co-founded and led Gradiant through its 2023 financing at a $1 billion valuation.

## Latest updates

- **2026-04** — Announced his transition to executive chairman on Gradiant’s thirteenth founding anniversary.
- **2026-04** — Published an Entrepreneur essay arguing for integrated water and energy management.
- **2026-05** — Gradiant announced Series E financing at a $2 billion valuation, with investment supporting acquisitions, R&D, operational scale and IPO readiness.
- **2026-10** — Gradiant announced five contract wins and 40% India team growth, alongside new India leadership.

## Links

- Website: https://anuragbajpayee.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anuragbajpayee

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/anurag-bajpayee
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-08