The People Behind Nuvohelix
A botanist, a biotechnologist, a microbiologist and a chemist. Together they found the company and lead its research, business, operations and technology.
Botanist
Dr. Nagananda G S
Director, Research & Development.
A botanist who turns plant science and traditional knowledge into products people can use.
Dr. Nagananda holds a PhD in Botany from Karpagam University, Coimbatore. His work spans herbal product development, plant tissue culture, medicinal plants, and traditional and folklore medicine.
Under Prof. Ananda Rao, orchidologist and former President of the Orchid Society of Karnataka, he helped establish the open-air orchidarium at Lalbagh, Bengaluru, collecting and documenting orchid species from the Western Ghats and building a database of their medicinal significance. At Nuvohelix he leads research, technology development and innovation.
- PhD in Botany, Karpagam University
- Askel Love Prize for Best Original Research Paper
- Helped establish the open-air orchidarium at Lalbagh, Bengaluru
Biotechnologist
Sandeep Suryan
Director, Business Development.
A biotechnologist who connects what happens in the lab with what the market needs.
Sandeep holds a postgraduate degree in Industrial Biotechnology from Bharathiar University, with advanced training in bioprocess engineering from IIT Delhi. His experience covers recombinant DNA technology, fermentation biotechnology, natural products and translational biotechnology, alongside laboratory management, resource planning and entrepreneurship.
At Nuvohelix he leads strategic partnerships, market development and commercial growth, building collaborations across academia, research and industry and turning the company's research into scalable business.
- Industrial Biotechnology, Bharathiar University
- Bioprocess engineering training, IIT Delhi
- Co-Principal Investigator on projects funded by DRDO, NIDHI PRAYAS, VGST and ICAR–RKVY RAFTAAR
Microbiologist
Dr. Swetha Seshagiri
Director, Operations.
A microbiologist whose work runs from soil microbes to food science and coffee.
Dr. Swetha holds a Master's in Microbiology and a PhD from Jain University, where she studied the interaction of Piriformospora indica with brinjal. Her expertise covers plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, biofertilizers, biological control, industrial enzymes, probiotics, functional foods and food preservation, including microbial bioformulations for disease management in arecanut.
She has completed projects funded by DST, DRDO and VTU, and trained in coffee entrepreneurship, barista skills and coffee tasting with the Indian Institute of Plantation Management, the Coffee Board and others. At Nuvohelix she leads operations.
- 42 research papers and 4 book chapters
- DST Early Career Research Grant
- Trained in coffee tasting and barista skills
Chemist
Dr. Minchitha K U
Director, Technology.
A chemist with fourteen years in catalysis, nanotechnology and water purification.
Dr. Minchitha holds a Master's in Industrial Chemistry from Kuvempu University and a PhD from Jain University, with doctoral research in heterogeneous catalysis. Her research interests include using multiwalled carbon nanotubes for catalysis and water purification.
She has guided several postgraduate research projects and presented at national and international conferences. At Nuvohelix she leads technology, contributing to research and technology development across the company's focus areas.
- 14+ years of research experience
- 20+ papers in peer-reviewed journals
- Outstanding Researcher Award and Best Paper Award, Jain University
Guidance & Mentorship
Our Mentor
Experienced leadership guiding Nuvohelix from research to market.
Mentor
Dr. Krishna Venkatesh
Mentor, Nuvohelix Bioinnovations · Director, CIIRC Bengaluru
A nanoengineer and innovation leader guiding research, technology development and commercialisation.
Dr. Krishna Venkatesh holds a Ph.D. in Nanoengineering from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and brings extensive experience in research leadership, technology development, entrepreneurship and innovation management. He currently serves as Director of the Centre for Incubation, Innovation, Research and Consultancy (CIIRC), Bengaluru, and has previously held senior leadership positions at Jain University and Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU).
Throughout his career, he has established multidisciplinary research centres and technology business incubation initiatives, attracted substantial government-funded research projects, and led the development of innovative technologies and products. His expertise spans nanotechnology, autonomous systems, engineering innovation, industry–academia collaboration and technology commercialisation.
As Mentor at Nuvohelix Bioinnovations Pvt. Ltd., Dr. Krishna Venkatesh provides strategic guidance in research and innovation, technology development, entrepreneurship and commercialisation, supporting the company’s efforts to translate scientific research into impactful, market-ready solutions.
- Ph.D. in Nanoengineering, IISc Bengaluru
- Director, CIIRC Bengaluru
- Technology Excellence Award, Indian Technology Congress
Research with Public Backing
Between them, the founders have more than 60 peer-reviewed publications and have led or contributed to projects funded by these agencies.
- DST
- DRDO
- VTU
- NIDHI PRAYAS
- VGST
- ICAR–RKVY RAFTAAR
Get in Touch
Work with Our Team
Talk to us about research collaborations, partnerships and our products.
34, Jyothi Institute of Technology, Tathaguni, off Kanakapura Road, Bengaluru – 560082, India