Nivatha Balendra transformed her PhD research into a groundbreaking venture, commercializing the world’s first waste-derived biosurfactants. Her innovative approach delivers high-quality, affordable solutions while addressing the environmental challenges posed by conventional surfactants.

Biosurfactants, synthesized by living organisms like bacteria, fungi, or plants, are derived from natural sources and are highly biodegradable. While they offer a sustainable alternative, scaling production has historically presented significant technical and cost challenges. Nivatha’s work not only overcomes these barriers but also paves the way for biosurfactants to become a mainstream solution in industries ranging from cleaning and cosmetics to agriculture and energy.

Named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2025 in the Science category, Nivatha’s achievements highlight her vision and determination. We are honored to have joined her on this journey as investors, supporting her mission to revolutionize sustainable chemical production and make a meaningful impact on the environment.