From an early age, Shrikumar Suryanarayan was fascinated by the interface of chemistry and biology. At a time when social norms strongly pushed high-performing students toward medicine or conventional engineering careers abroad, he chose to listen to his inner compass. Chemical engineering, he believed, was closest to his heart and held the greatest promise for applied research.
In 1982, he graduated with a B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from IIT Madras, an institution that profoundly shaped his thinking. The learning culture at IIT Madras emphasized observation, inquiry, and strong engagement with industry—values that would later define his professional life. His academic journey continued with an M.Tech in Biochemical Engineering from IIT Delhi in 1984, further sharpening his interest in applied biotechnology and real-world problem-solving.
Shrikumar Suryanarayan: A Chance Encounter That Shaped a Legacy
During his undergraduate years, Shrikumar Suryanarayan encountered a young biotechnology company operating out of Cunningham Road, Bengaluru—Biocon, founded by Ms. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw. What began as a simple request for a few grams of enzymes for an IIT project became a defining moment.
Unable to place a large order, Shri offered to pay from his own pocket. Instead, he received a parcel at his hostel canteen containing the enzymes—free of charge—along with a handwritten note from Ms. Shaw encouraging his work. That small yet magnanimous gesture forged a lifelong professional bond grounded in mutual respect, trust, and shared passion for innovation.
Building Biocon: From Enzymes to Global Biopharma
After completing his master’s degree, Shrikumar Suryanarayan was invited by Ms. Shaw to join Biocon at a time when the company was laying the foundations of its research and development capabilities. He joined in 1983 and would go on to spend over 25 years at Biocon, becoming one of its most influential scientific leaders.
Leadership Roles at Biocon
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President – Research & Development
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Chief Scientific Advisor
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Member, Scientific Advisory Board
Under his leadership, Biocon evolved from a modest enzyme manufacturer into a globally recognized biopharmaceutical enterprise.
Shrikumar Suryanarayan: Scientific Innovation and the PlaFractor® Breakthrough
At a time when R&D in India was often driven by tax incentives rather than genuine discovery, Shrikumar Suryanarayan built a culture of creativity and experimentation. He wore multiple hats—scientist, technologist, IT manager, and systems builder—helping Biocon navigate an era when computers were just entering laboratories.
Among his most significant contributions was the development of proprietary enzyme technologies, including the PlaFractor®, an automated bioreactor designed for solid-state fermentation. This innovation not only enhanced industrial enzyme production but also demonstrated how indigenous technology could compete on a global stage.
His colleagues often joke that he was “never promoted” because he always remained head of R&D—yet his influence grew with every breakthrough.
A Scientific Leader with an Entrepreneurial Soul
Though Shrikumar Suryanarayan describes himself as an “accidental entrepreneur,” those who know him insist he is an entrepreneur at heart. His intellectual restlessness and youthful exuberance never faded, even after decades in leadership roles.
In 2007, he stepped down from his operational responsibilities at Biocon, transitioning to its Scientific Advisory Board. This marked not a retreat, but a reinvention. He turned his attention to public health, education, and bioenergy, teaching at IIT Madras and searching for the next grand challenge where biotechnology could make a meaningful difference.
The Birth of Sea6 Energy: Innovation Beyond Land
The seed for Sea6 Energy was planted when students from IIT Madras approached Shrikumar Suryanarayan for mentorship during the iGEM 2008 competition at MIT. Despite being denied visas, the team’s passion and ingenuity earned them international recognition through a video presentation from India.
Inspired by their determination, Shri brought together a group of young minds and began exploring solutions to the looming global energy crisis. He strongly believed that land-based biofuels would always be constrained by the food-versus-fuel debate.
His answer was radical yet elegant: “Capture energy from the sea.”
Why Seaweed Changed Everything
After extensive research into microalgae, the team realized the limitations—high freshwater demand, nutrient requirements, and land usage. The breakthrough came with a shift toward macroalgae (seaweed).
Seaweed offered decisive advantages:
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No need for arable land
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No freshwater or fertilizer inputs
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Rapid growth in shallow ocean waters
Recognizing its immense potential, Shrikumar Suryanarayan convinced key members of his iGEM team to stay back and build something entirely new.
Sea6 Energy: A Transformational Vision
Founded in 2010 and incubated at IIT Madras, Sea6 Energy emerged as a bold experiment in large-scale ocean farming. With early funding of nearly ₹1 crore from IIT Madras alumni, the company embarked on an ambitious journey.
Key Milestones of Sea6 Energy
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Development of offshore seaweed cultivation technology
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Creation of deep-water ocean farms
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Establishment of a 4,000 sq. ft. seaweed-to-ethanol pilot facility
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Identification of critical enzymes for biofuel conversion
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Strategic collaboration with Novozymes
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Successful fundraising exceeding ₹3 crore
Under Shrikumar Suryanarayan’s leadership as Chairman and Co-Founder, Sea6 Energy positioned itself at the intersection of biotechnology, sustainability, and climate resilience.
Leadership Beyond Entrepreneurship
In parallel with Sea6 Energy, Shrikumar Suryanarayan has continued to shape India’s biotech ecosystem through institutional leadership.
Key Roles
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Director-General (Former President), Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE)
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Former CEO, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI)
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Adjunct Professor, IIT Madras
Through these roles, he has championed innovation-led policy, industry-academia collaboration, and the nurturing of next-generation scientific talent.
Shrikumar Suryanarayan: Awards and Recognition
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Distinguished Alumnus Award, IIT Madras (2009)
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BioSpectrum Entrepreneur of the Year (2012)