The Pradeep Research Group works in the area of molecular materials and surfaces. The group discovered that noble metal nanoparticles efficiently degrade halocarbons to amorphous carbon and metal halides at room temperature and at low concentrations. This discovery led to the development of the world’s first nanochemistry-based water filter for pesticide removal, addressing many halocarbon-based pesticides. This technology is estimated to have reached about 9 million people. The group has also developed several technologies to remove other contaminants from drinking water. By integrating multiple such materials, they created an all-inclusive, affordable drinking water purifier. A key aspect of this work is the design of advanced materials through simple and environmentally friendly methods. One of these technologies, named AMRIT, is currently being implemented in arsenic-affected regions of India, benefiting approximately one million people. Several other drinking water technologies have also emerged from the group’s research. To translate these innovations into real-world applications, the group has incubated four companies in collaboration with IIT Madras, and this effort is now being expanded globally.