Nithya Menon
About Nithya Menon
Nithya Menon serves as the Head of Product & Technology at Okra Solar, where she has worked since 2018. She has a diverse background in engineering and social enterprises, with experience in developing sustainable technologies for off-grid communities across multiple countries.
Current Role at Okra Solar
Nithya Menon serves as the Head of Product & Technology at Okra Solar, a position she has held since 2018. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing the development of innovative energy solutions aimed at providing universal energy access. Her contributions include designing and building key power-sharing algorithms, IoT firmware, and a grid management platform that are essential to the company's operations. Under her leadership, Okra Solar has achieved recognition, including the IEEE's Empower a Billion Lives award.
Previous Experience at myAgro
Before her current role, Nithya Menon worked as an Engineering Analyst at myAgro for four months in 2017. Her responsibilities included analyzing engineering processes and contributing to projects aimed at improving agricultural productivity in Mali. This experience provided her with insights into the challenges faced by off-grid communities in accessing resources.
Educational Background at Harvey Mudd College
Nithya Menon completed her Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) in Engineering at Harvey Mudd College from 2012 to 2016. During her time at the college, she engaged in various roles, including serving as a Computer Science Tutor and Grader, Orientation Director, and Admissions Tour Guide. Her education and involvement in leadership roles laid the foundation for her career in technology and product development.
Work with Social Enterprises
Nithya Menon has collaborated with leading social enterprises across India, Myanmar, Mali, and Cambodia. Her work focuses on developing affordable and sustainable tools for water and agriculture, specifically designed for off-grid communities. This experience reflects her commitment to creating impactful solutions that address critical needs in underserved regions.
Contributions to Renewable Energy Solutions
Throughout her career, Nithya Menon has made significant contributions to renewable energy technologies. She played a key role in the development of a solar home charge controller that manages energy usage and facilitates sharing across a network of homes. Her passion for human-centered design drives her mission to achieve universal energy access through innovative off-grid energy technologies.