Shows
The SynBioBeta PodcastFrom Microbes to Materials—ZymoChem's Vision for a Plastic-Free FutureZymoChem's Vision for a Plastic-Free FutureIn this episode of the Podcast, SynBioBeta founder and CEO, John Cumbers, speaks with Harshal Chokhawala, co-founder and CEO of ZymoChem, about how the company is reengineering the foundations of materials science using microbial fermentation. Harshal discusses his scientific journey from organic chemistry to building a carbon-conserving biotech platform capable of producing bio-based adipic acid, a key component in nylon 66. Their recent partnership with lululemon aims to bring sustainable, high-performance textiles to market.
The conversation also touches on ZymoChem’s second major innovation: a ...
2025-05-0144 minThe SynBioBeta PodcastFrom Microbes to Materials: ZymoChem's Vision for a Plastic-Free FutureIn this episode, John Cumbers speaks with Harshal Chokhawala, co-founder and CEO of ZymoChem, about how the company is reengineering the foundations of materials science using microbial fermentation. Harshal discusses his scientific journey from organic chemistry to building a carbon-conserving biotech platform capable of producing bio-based adipic acid, a key component in nylon 66. Their recent partnership with lululemon aims to bring sustainable, high-performance textiles to market.
The conversation also touches on ZymoChem’s second major innovation: a biodegradable superabsorbent polymer for use in...
2025-04-1044 min
How I Built My Small BusinessHarshal Chokhawala - ZYMOCHEM’s Game-Changing Bio-Based Materials: Affordable and Sustainable!Today we have Dr. Harshal Chokhawala chatting with us about starting a biotech company. Harshal is the CEO and Co-Founder of Zymochem, which he founded in 2015 and recently celebrated a major milestone by closing a Series A funding round in January this year.As a speaker at the SynBioBeta conference in San Francisco and the Rethinking Materials conference in London, he is passionate about about bringing sustainability to everyday materials and reducing humanity's dependency on plastic. After hearing that microplastics can be carried through the placenta from mother to baby, Harshal doubled down o...
2024-09-2442 min
Leaders on a MissionCombat Microplastics: Discover Biodegradable InnovationsHarshal Chokhawala, the CEO of ZymoChem, breaks down their exciting solutions to microplastics. In this episode, we explore ZymoChem’s groundbreaking efforts to decarbonize the production of everyday materials, providing real solutions to microplastics in the ocean, our bodies and the earth. 🧪 Harshal takes us on his journey from a young chemist fascinated by the magic of chemistry to a pioneer in using enzymes and microbes as nature’s own catalysts. He shares how ZymoChem is crafting bio-based, biodegradable innovations designed to replace harmful materials like superabsorbent polymers, offering a promising alternative that can significantly reduce microplastic pollutio...
2024-08-2041 min