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Vaishali Kulkarni, Founder and CEO of KBCols Sciences.
The next in the series featuring conversations with entrepreneurs, technologists and researchers about emerging technologies and what students need to know about these fields.
What do you do?
I am Founder and CEO at KBCols Sciences, a bio-tech company at the forefront of manufacturing natural bio-colours. We use microbial fermentation to produce natural, biodegradable colourants. Our custom technology feeds non-pathogenic microbes with agricultural waste, transforming them into vibrant, sustainable alternatives to synthetic dyes. Serving industries from textiles to high-end sectors, we help businesses reduce environmental impact while maintaining efficiency and performance. By turning waste into value, we enable a circular, eco-friendly solution for the future of colouration.
Why is your work important?
Almost 95% of colours used in existing applications are synthetic dyes, which come from petrochemical sources and can pollute water and harm ecosystems and human health. Our bio-colours are a safer and more sustainable alternative. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting down industrial pollution, this approach is a smart, eco-friendly solution that helps protect the planet while also creating new opportunities for local communities.
What is exciting about your work?
It’s incredible to see invisible microbes produce rich, natural colours; it feels like Nature doing science. What excites me most is turning this scientific process into real products that are beautiful, sustainable, better for the environment and a safer, greener alternative to chemical dyes. It’s where innovation meets impact, blending science, sustainability, and business opportunity in a powerful way. We are serving sustainable colour requirements of global fashion brands from India.
Any experiences in college that led you to become an entrepreneur?
During my Ph.D., I learned a lot about how science can solve real problems, especially in sustainability. I also discovered the challenges of turning ideas into products. Attending start-up events and meeting industry experts helped me understand how to bridge the gap between research and business. These experiences inspired me to take my knowledge beyond the lab and build a company that can create an everlasting impact.
What should students know about your field?
Biotech sustainability isn’t just lab work; it’s where science meets real-world impact. To succeed, you’ll need both technical skills (like microbiology or engineering) and the ability to think across disciplines. Our microbial dyes, for example, only became viable when we combined biology with textile chemistry and business. Stay curious, collaborate widely, and focus on solutions that scale. The future needs problem-solvers who can bridge science and society!
The writer is an avid follower of emerging technologies and their applications.
Published – June 08, 2025 08:30 am IST
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