Pranav Nair (BacAlt Biosciences)
Overview
Pranav Nair is a prominent figure in the field of biopolymer research and biotechnology. He is the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of BacAlt Biosciences, a biotech startup headquartered in Bengaluru, India. The company is focused on developing sustainable, bio-based alternatives to petrochemical-based specialty ingredients. Nair's work is particularly noted for its emphasis on sustainable practices in biotechnology, including the use of biopolymers derived from agricultural waste. This innovative approach aims to reduce microplastic pollution while enhancing product performance across multiple industries, such as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Recent Developments
In recent years, Pranav Nair and BacAlt Biosciences have made notable strides in the biotech landscape:
- 2025: BacAlt Biosciences successfully raised ₹18 crore ($2 million) in a pre-seed funding round led by Avaana Capital, with participation from Lubrizol InnoVentures. This funding is aimed at scaling the company's R&D processes, building pilot production facilities, and expanding its team for geographic growth.
- 2024: The startup continued to refine its biopolymer products, focusing on reducing carbon impact by using energy-efficient fermentation processes and circular feedstocks. This aligns with BacAlt's vision of establishing India as a hub for bio-based specialty ingredients.
- 2023: Pranav Nair co-founded BacAlt Biosciences with Shruti Kutmutia. The company's foundational mission was to create high-performance, cost-competitive bio-based ingredients. BacAlt Biosciences emerged from the need to offer eco-friendly alternatives to traditional, petrochemical-dependent products in various sectors including cosmetics, skincare, and agriculture.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pranav Nair |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Co-Founder & CTO of BacAlt Biosciences |
| Known For | Biopolymer Research, Biotech Startups |
| Education | PhD in Biopolymer Research |
Early Life and Education
Pranav Nair's academic journey laid a strong foundation for his career in biotechnology. He pursued his undergraduate studies in Biotechnology at a prestigious Indian institution, which cultivated his interest in sustainable biological solutions. His scholarly excellence earned him a place at the National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) in Pune, where he completed his PhD thesis on "Microbial synthesis of Poly-gamma glutamic acid: strategies for improved production and application in drought mitigation and anti-staling properties." During his doctoral studies, Nair not only contributed significantly to the field through high-impact publications but also co-invented patents related to biopolymer applications.
Career and Notable Achievements
Pranav Nair's career is marked by pioneering advances in biotechnology:
- Successfully defended his PhD thesis, earning notable recognition in biopolymer research.
- Co-founded BacAlt Biosciences in 2023, focusing on sustainable biopolymers.
- Secured significant pre-seed funding for BacAlt Biosciences, facilitating the expansion of R&D and production capabilities.
- Championed eco-innovative processes that integrate waste valorisation and non-sterile fermentation, aiming to reduce environmental impact while maintaining cost efficiency.
- Progressed BacAlt's mission to provide globally competitive bio-based alternatives to petrochemical ingredients.
Current Work and Impact
As of 2025, Pranav Nair continues to drive innovation as the CTO of BacAlt Biosciences. Under his leadership, BacAlt is making significant contributions to the sustainable materials market, addressing challenges such as microplastic pollution. The startup leverages advanced fermentation technologies to develop products that serve sectors ranging from personal care to pharmaceuticals. The company's initiatives not only aim to transform the sustainable materials industry but also reinforce India's position in the global biotechnology market.
Conclusion
Pranav Nair has emerged as a key influencer in the field of biotechnology, particularly in the development of sustainable biomaterials. His contributions extend beyond innovation to strategic leadership in BacAlt Biosciences, which is rapidly becoming a significant player in the sustainable materials sector. As BacAlt scales its operations and broadens its market reach, Pranav Nair's work is poised to have a lasting impact on both the industry and environmental sustainability.