Speciality biotech startup BacAlt Biosciences has announced that it has raised Rs 18 crore in funding led by Avaana Capital, a venture capital firm that focuses on deeptech innovation. The round also saw participation from Lubrizol InnoVentures, the co-innovation ventures arm of global speciality chemicals leader Lubrizol.
This investment marks a major milestone for BacAlt, which is working on building sustainable, non-microplastic alternatives to conventional synthetic ingredients. The funding will allow the company to strengthen its R&D, set up pilot production facilities, and expand hiring as it prepares for commercial scale.
BacAlt Biosciences
Founded by a team of passionate biotechnologists, BacAlt develops bio-based polymers and speciality ingredients through energy-efficient, high-throughput fermentation techniques. These innovations deliver better product performance while simultaneously reducing the environmental burden caused by microplastic pollution.
What sets BacAlt apart is its use of waste valorisation, circular feedstocks, and non-sterile fermentation, which not only lowers carbon emissions but also reduces costs. This combination creates sustainable materials that are not just eco-friendly but also mass-market viable, bridging the gap between innovation and affordability.
Wide Industry Applications
BacAlt’s ingredients are designed to improve textures, stability, and functionalities across diverse sectors, including home care, personal care, agrochemicals, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals. By offering scalable and affordable alternatives, BacAlt is empowering product formulators to move away from synthetic, microplastic-heavy ingredients that harm both human health and the planet.
With its breakthrough technologies, BacAlt aims to disrupt FMCG and pharmaceutical supply chains by introducing bio-based solutions that do not compromise on performance, safety, or price.
Driving India’s Bio-Leadership
“BacAlt’s vision is to power India’s rise as a global hub for circular and bio-based speciality ingredients,” said Shruti Kutmutia, Co-Founder of BacAlt. She emphasized that India has long been import-dependent in this sector, but BacAlt wants to turn the nation into an export-ready bio-manufacturing hub.
The company believes the timing is perfect as global and domestic demand for high-performance, cost-competitive sustainable ingredients is rapidly increasing. BacAlt wants to position itself at the heart of this transformation.
Investor Confidence Builds
Backing the startup, Shruti Srivastava, Investment Director at Avaana Capital, noted that BacAlt’s fermentation platforms and use of agricultural waste are breakthroughs that meet both cost and performance thresholds. These, she added, are critical factors to bring sustainable ingredients into mainstream FMCG markets.
By combining cutting-edge biotech with circular economy principles, BacAlt is not just solving a scientific problem—it is reshaping supply chains to make them greener and more resilient.
Next Steps in Growth
The fresh funds will help BacAlt scale its research and development, build pilot-scale production facilities, and expand its team to strengthen its capabilities. Alongside this, the company will also develop go-to-market strategies to expand its geographical reach, taking its solutions beyond India.
This momentum could soon make BacAlt one of the most important names in global biotech innovation, with India at its core.
Biotech Startups in India
The success of BacAlt also highlights the growing wave of biotech startups in India that are reimagining industries with sustainable solutions. From bio-based textiles to renewable energy innovations, Indian biotech ventures are drawing global attention for their focus on planet-positive impact.
With funding support from forward-looking VCs and increasing consumer demand for greener products, India is well on its way to becoming a global leader in bio-innovation. BacAlt Biosciences, with its ambitious vision and cutting-edge science, is playing a pivotal role in this journey.
