BacAlt Biosciences Raises Rs 18 Cr to Scale Biopolymer Production

Mumbai and Bengaluru-based biotech startup BacAlt Biosciences has raised approximately $2 million (Rs 18 crore) in a pre-seed funding round led by Avaana Capital, with participation from Lubrizol InnoVentures, the venture arm of specialty chemicals company Lubrizol. Founded by Shruti Kutmutia and Pranav Nair, BacAlt develops sustainable bio-based polymers and specialty ingredients from post-harvest crop residues using lean, energy-efficient fermentation processes and circular feedstocks to create high-performance, eco-friendly alternatives to petrochemical-based materials and microplastics. The company plans to use the funds to expand research and development, build pilot production facilities, grow its team, and design strategies for international market expansion. BacAlt aims to position India as a global hub for circular, bio-based specialty ingredients, targeting applications in home and personal care, agrochemicals, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals. The funding round values the company at $8 million and aligns with broader governmental initiatives to promote biotech manufacturing in India. By advancing bio-manufacturing capabilities, BacAlt seeks to reduce import dependency and support environmentally sustainable product formulations worldwide.