In today’s dynamic food industry, sustainability and ethical considerations are key drivers of innovation. Leading this transformative movement is Biokraft Foods, a biotech startup operating out of Mumbai. We had the opportunity to speak with Kamalnayan Tibrewal, the visionary CEO of Biokraft Foods. He shared his insights on the company’s mission to produce cultivated meat, the progress they’ve made, and the broader implications for the food industry. Here’s an in-depth look at Biokraft’s journey and the future of cultivated meat.
Personal and Professional Background
LocalPress: Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue your career?
Kamalnayan Tibrewal: I come from a background in biotech and green technology, with a degree from ICT Mumbai. Early on, I was deeply fascinated by how technology could transform the food industry. The inspiration for pursuing cultivated meat came from a desire to address traditional meat production’s environmental and ethical challenges. Seeing the potential for 3D bioprinting to create sustainable, cruelty-free meat made me realise this was more than a career path—it was a chance to drive meaningful change.
LocalPress: What were some of the key milestones in your professional journey?
Kamalnayan Tibrewal: Launching Biokraft Foods was a significant milestone. Completing the internal market validation for our cultivated chicken meat product and opening it up for external validation in collaboration with hotels and cafes were pivotal moments. Being invited to forums like Anuga FoodTech India as an expert panellist and collaborating with ICAR-DCFR on cultivated trout development have also been the highlights. These milestones affirm that we’re on the right track to making a real impact.
Vision and Impact
LocalPress: What is the vision that drives you in your work?
Kamalnayan Tibrewal: My vision is to create a world where sustainable, ethical meat is accessible to all without compromising on taste or quality. I want Biokraft Foods to lead the way in cultivated meat technology and help solve global challenges like food security, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability.
LocalPress: How do you think your work has impacted your field or community?
Kamalnayan Tibrewal: Our work is helping normalise the idea of cultivated meat in India. We’re bridging the technology and consumer acceptance gap through awareness, tasting sessions, and partnerships. We inspire young food technologists and entrepreneurs to explore innovative, sustainable solutions.
Challenges and Triumphs
LocalPress: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?
Kamalnayan Tibrewal: Developing cultivated meat in a nascent ecosystem like India comes with challenges—funding, technology development, regulatory hurdles, and consumer skepticism. Overcoming these has required persistence, collaboration with the right partners, and constant innovation. We focused on iterative testing, gathering feedback, and staying resilient.
LocalPress: Can you share a particular moment of triumph that stood out in your career?
Kamalnayan Tibrewal: A standout moment was seeing people taste our cultivated chicken meat for the first time and watching their reactions. The positive feedback during our internal market validation and the excitement of external collaborators made all the hard work worthwhile.
Personal Insights
LocalPress: What are some of your personal interests and hobbies outside of work?
Kamalnayan Tibrewal: I enjoy reading, especially about technology and entrepreneurship. I’m also a big fan of exploring new food trends and cuisines. Networking with other people and drawing inspiration from their journey also drives me.
LocalPress: How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life?
Kamalnayan Tibrewal: Balancing a startup with a personal life is challenging, but I try to carve out time for family and personal interests. Delegating effectively and setting boundaries helps me stay present, whether I’m at work or home.
Psyche and Approach
LocalPress: How would you describe your approach to overcoming obstacles and handling stress?
Kamalnayan Tibrewal: I believe in taking challenges one step at a time and focusing on solutions rather than problems. Mindfulness practices, clear thinking, and support from my team help me manage stress and stay motivated.
LocalPress: What are some traits or habits that you believe have contributed to your success?
Kamalnayan Tibrewal: Curiosity, resilience, and adaptability are key traits. I also practice continuous learning and keep an open mind to new ideas and feedback. Building strong, meaningful connections has been crucial to my journey.
Likes and Dislikes
LocalPress: What do you enjoy most about your work, and what aspects do you find challenging?
Kamalnayan Tibrewal: I love the opportunity to innovate and contribute to something that could reshape the future of food. The most challenging part is navigating uncharted territory, but that’s also what makes it exciting.
LocalPress: Are there any specific practices or routines that help you stay productive and motivated?
Kamalnayan Tibrewal: I start my day with a clear plan and prioritise tasks. Regular check-ins with the team, short breaks to reset, and celebrating small wins keep me productive. Staying connected to our vision also fuels my motivation.
Vision for the Future
LocalPress: What are your goals and aspirations for the future?
Kamalnayan Tibrewal: I aim to see Biokraft Foods become a leader in cell-based food production in India and globally. We aim to scale production, enter new markets and continuously innovate to make cultivated meat accessible and affordable.
LocalPress: How do you see your field evolving, and what role do you hope to play in that evolution?
Kamalnayan Tibrewal: The cultivated meat field will expand rapidly as technology advances and consumer awareness grows. I plan to contribute by pushing the boundaries of innovation, collaborating with industry leaders, and making cultivated meat a mainstream choice.
Advice for Others
LocalPress: What advice would you give to others who are facing similar struggles or aiming to achieve similar success?
Kamalnayan Tibrewal: Stay persistent, believe in your vision, and be open to learning. Surround yourself with people who support and challenge you. Challenges are part of the journey—embrace them as opportunities to grow.
LocalPress: Is there a mantra or philosophy that you live by and would recommend to others?
Kamalnayan Tibrewal: “Progress over perfection.” Taking action and making incremental progress is more valuable than waiting for everything to be perfect.
Growth Graph
LocalPress: Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in your journey till now?
Kamalnayan Tibrewal: I believe every experience has shaped me, but perhaps I would have sought mentorship and collaborations even earlier. Building the right network is invaluable for a startup.
LocalPress: How have your experiences shaped your outlook on life and work?
Kamalnayan Tibrewal: My experiences have taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and maintaining a clear sense of purpose. They’ve also shown me that meaningful connections and collaborative efforts can accelerate progress.
Closing Thoughts
LocalPress: Any final thoughts or messages you would like to share with our readers?
Kamalnayan Tibrewal: The future of food is being shaped right now, and each of us can play a role in making it sustainable. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, consumer, or investor, supporting innovative solutions can drive positive change. Stay curious, stay committed, and let’s build a better future together.
Last Updated on January 9, 2025 by Staff Reporter
