ABOUT US
Strategic, Sustainable, and Future-Ready Consulting
Born from the fusion of Nurture and Zen, NurZen embodies a philosophy of balanced progress where economic ambition is harmonized with environmental stewardship and social equity. We believe that true development is not just about GDP growth, but about empowering people, protecting ecosystems, and building legacies that last.
From revitalizing urban economies, industrial parks to shaping rural resilience, NurZen partners with public and private sector leaders to unlock economic prosperity and welfare. We help clients navigate complexity with clarity, ensuring that every strategy is grounded in data, driven by purpose, and aligned with sustainability goals.
Nurzen has incorporated the NxtZones brand, bringing the NxtZones model for SEZs into the Nurzen concept. Nxtzones has worked with some of the world's leading zones and promotes a culture of sharing best practice and knowledge to help new and established zones become profitable and be prepared for the next generation of SEZs. Nurzen builds on the success of NxtZones and provides the full SEZ cycle of services, from SEZ vision, feasibility studies including market studies, FDI attraction, demand forecasts, business case, value proposition to investor attraction, governance model and regulatory and incentive framework.
The NurZen model has prosperity and sustainability in its core as interconnect concepts. It combines local knowledge and expertise with international best practice to deliver client focused solutions.
Through our integrated services we can support our clients to take the next steps in their development, and position them to be more resilient for the future and more competitive and impactful in their commercial, regulatory and strategic endeavours.
OUR
FOUNDERS
Dr. Douglas van den Berghe and Dr. Adarsh Varma co-founded Nurzen with a shared vision: to shape sustainable growth pathways that balance economic ambition with environmental responsibility.
Together, they bring a powerful combination of policy expertise, technical rigour, and sustainability innovation, steering Nurzen’s purpose to deliver trusted, long-term value to its partners.
Co-Founder | Strategy & Innovation Lead
Dr. Douglas van den Berghe
Douglas van den Berghe is currently partner and co-founder of Nurzen (of which NxtZones is now part). His recent work focuses on Special new Economic Zones (SEZ), industrial parks and techno parks based on models for the future and customized to a changing global economy, industry 4.0 and based on the most innovative and best practices of many SEZs around the world.
Douglas is also founder of the FDI & SEZ Academy Training Program: FDIexecutive™️ that has successfully been rolled out innumerous countries as well as delivered on behalf of many international organizations like: US State Department, World Bank, UNESCAP, UNCTAD, UNDP and the OECD
Douglas is considered one of the leading global experts on FDI, international strategy for companies, Special Economic Zones (SEZs), investment and incentives, and how to develop FDI policies for economic development and increase competitiveness.
He has been an advisor to numerous governments and SEZs. Douglas is currently advising multiple countries in emerging and frontier markets on their investment, SEZs and incentives and economic development policies. He also works closely with many countries and private developers in successfully setting up and growing Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
Co-Founder | Economic Development Lead
Dr. Adarsh Varma
Dr Adarsh Varma co-founder of NurZen, specialises in economic development, business case analysis and economic appraisals for infrastructure and development projects.
He is particularly interested in solutions that demonstrate positive financial and economic returns.
He has developed business models and strategic cases that capture wider economic, social, environmental and governance benefits to judge the viability of projects.
Adarsh has led numerous SEZ, logistics hubs and industrial park feasibility studies in the UAE, KSA, Oman, Indonesia, Kenya, Uganda, Togo, Jordan, Madagascar and Benin for clients including the World Bank/IFC, Trademark East Africa (TMEA), UK foreign office, Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and Afriexim Bank.
He specialises in developing project or site value propositions and identifying optimal delivery and funding mechanisms.
Research Associate
Enaakshi Giri
Enaakshi Giri is a climate and sustainability professional specializing in environmental policy, carbon markets, sustainable development. Her work focuses on the intersection of climate action and policy, helping organizations navigate the transition toward low-carbon and resilient economies.
She has contributed to research and advisory projects across climate finance, foreign direct investment (FDI), energy transition, and sustainability strategy through her work with organizations including NXT Zones, BeZero Carbon, TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute), and the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA). Her experience spans investment competitiveness assessments, carbon credit markets, net-zero pathways, and evidence-based policy analysis.
Enaakshi holds an MSc in Climate Change: Environment, Science and Policy from King's College London and a bachelor's degree in environmental sciences from Amity University, where she graduated as a Gold Medallist. Her academic research has focused on the role of green finance in accelerating carbon reduction and supporting the transition to sustainable economic growth.
Combining strong analytical capabilities with a multidisciplinary understanding of climate, policy, and investment, she is passionate about developing practical solutions that support sustainable development, enhance competitiveness, and contribute to global climate goals.
OUR APPROACH
Strategic Clarity
Every engagement starts with deep listening and root-cause exploration. We define clear economic and social outcomes, tailored to the local context but aligned with global goals.
Institutional Strengthening
From policy advisory to organisational redesign, we build capabilities that endure. Our solutions are co-created with clients, ensuring local ownership and long-term results.
Agile, Multi-disciplinary Teams
We bring together domain experts, economists, planners, and sustainability specialists - creating a responsive, cross-functional approach that adapts to changing realities.
Evidence Led Decisions
We back every recommendation with rigorous research, scenario modelling, and measurable KPIs - helping clients make informed, future-ready choices.