Manoj Upadhyay

Net Worth

$1.349B

-0.82% (24h)

Manoj Upadhyay is a prominent Indian entrepreneur, currently ranked as #2479 on the Forbes 2025 Billionaires list with a net worth of $1.3 billion. He is the chairman of ACME Group, a leading solar energy company based in Gurgaon, India. Upadhyay's wealth stems from his early investments and leadership in the solar energy sector. With over two decades of experience in the telecom and energy sectors, he has been a driving force behind disruptive products and solutions. His innovations have significantly reduced the cost of energy infrastructure, helping lower call rates across India.

The Full Dossier

Early Life and Education

Manoj Kumar Upadhyay's early education took place in Kolkata. He holds a Diploma in Electronics Engineering from Government Polytechnic, Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Rise to Success

Upadhyay began his career with the German telecom power company Benning in 1995. In 2003, he founded ACME Cleantech Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (ACME Group), initially focusing on energy management solutions for telecom sites. He pivoted to solar energy in 2008, foreseeing the sector's potential.

Key Business Strategies

A key strategy for Upadhyay has been innovation, with multiple patents in energy management and storage technologies. He has successfully expanded ACME Group, which has a portfolio of ~7.4 GW. His leadership has also been instrumental in achieving a historic low solar electricity tariff of INR 2.44 per kWh in India. ACME Group focuses on renewable electricity, green hydrogen, sustainable food, and water.

Philanthropy

While specific figures on philanthropy are difficult to ascertain, Upadhyay is known to actively support emerging start-ups, helping them scale.

Career Timeline

2024

ACME Solar Holdings Debut

Acme Solar Holdings made a weak debut on the Indian bourses, listing at a 13% discount.

2022

Recognized

Recognized as one of the Top & Most Powerful People in the Renewable Energy Sector (Private) by EQ Mag Pro.

2008

Pivoted to Solar

Pivoted the company's focus to solar energy.

2003

Founded ACME Group

Founded ACME Group, initially focusing on energy management solutions for telecom sites.

1995

Joined Benning

Joined German telecom power company, Benning, based at Bocholt, close to Dusseldorf.