Empowering Startups and Shaping the Future of Indian Innovation
CEO
Empowering Startups and Shaping the Future of Indian Innovation
CEO
Some journeys don’t begin in boardrooms—they begin in classrooms, with sparks of curiosity that evolve into lifelong purpose. For Dr Nisha Mukund, it began with a fascination for molecular biology, a passion strong enough to almost steer her toward medicine. But destiny charted a different course. At a time when industrial biotechnology was barely recognised in India, she chose it over the conventional medical path—a bold step, especially for a woman entering uncharted territory. Her path was far from linear. From her first stint as a guest lecturer at her alma mater to a new chapter in Chennai as a core researcher— every juncture in life deepened her love for research. That pursuit led to a PhD and a career dedicated to advancing biotechnology. Today, as CEO of Crescent Innovation & Incubation Council (CIIC), she channels that passion into fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. In this exclusive conversation with TradeFlock, she reflects on her remarkable journey
How did your PhD experience impact your career choices?
My PhD was a full-time commitment, recognised by the Department of Science and Technology, which funded my bioethanol research during a time when India’s National Policy on Biofuels was first launched in 2009 by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. For nearly eight years, I immersed myself in science aligned with national priorities. But entering industry exposed a gap— most research rarely translated into market-ready solutions. That realisation drove me to incubation. In 2016–19, I collaborated with Prof. M. S. Swaminathan on his dream project for women from life sciences on the Biotech Women’s Park, empowering women entrepreneurs. Later, I joined the founding team in setting up a broader incubation centre at BSA Crescent Institute of Science & Technology, expanding into Industry 4.0, Smart & Clean mobility, and Aerospace & Defence Technologies. This journey transformed me from a researcher into a strategist and CEO guiding startups to real-world impact.
What are some incubation success stories that make you proud?
One of my favourite stories is of a founder who walked in with nothing more than a chassis diagram and the dream of building an EV company. Today, that venture is valued at over ₹600 crore and is preparing to go global. Another created batteries using aloe vera gel instead of conventional electrolytes—a true green chemistry breakthrough. Stories like these, along with 200+ other startups we’ve nurtured, keep me energised every day.
What would you call your ‘secret sauce’ for scaling impact?
For me, it boils down to one principle: know your customer. Every startup is different—an idea-stage founder needs very different support than a company preparing to go global. Some require help with prototyping, others with market entry or fundraising. Treating everyone the same would fail them. Being a woman adds an empathetic perspective. I step into their shoes, understand their challenges, and guide them. That empathy builds trust, which is key to successful incubation.
What keeps you motivated through such a demanding role?
My motivation comes from my startups. The joy of a founder building their first prototype or receiving their first cheque fuels me. To stay rejuvenated, I lean on networking. Moving from researcher to business leader was possible through connections, and every conversation reminds me that there are people willing to support good causes.
What are the structural barriers holding back commercialisation in India?
The biggest barrier lies in mindset. While Indian researchers excel in labs, they often stop at publications, patents, or teaching. Unlike global peers, few engage with industry or pursue technology transfer. For years, this concept was unfamiliar in India, stalling research-to-market journeys. Only in the past five to six years has awareness grown. To bridge the gap, incubation centres must push researchers beyond academia, fostering entrepreneurial thinking and enabling innovations to scale into real-world impact.
Which hurdle stands out in growing from 5 to 30 members and 200 startups?
Every day feels complex because we’re not just managing one company—we’re supporting hundreds. One example is Acadicell, a startup in stem cell studies – regenerative therapies. In India, the field faces tough regulations, limited infrastructure, and scarce funding. We realised commercialising a product would take years, but building the ecosystem could start now. So Acadicell began offering specialised courses, creating a talent pool for the future. That experience showed me incubation isn’t only about scaling companies—it’s also about preparing entire industries for what’s next.
How do you envision India’s innovation landscape in the next five years?
When I began my PhD, commercialisation in research was almost unheard of. Today, the landscape is transforming—state and central governments are aligned in ensuring that our talent, funding, and discoveries benefit India first. Looking ahead, I see three sectors driving the next wave of innovation: defence technologies and space with massive investments, medical ecosystems and tourism as emerging growth areas, and sustainable agriculture with food technologies addressing global food security. I always remind young PhDs – don’t confine yourself to only research; your work can transform India.
"Treating everyone the same would fail them. Being a woman adds an empathetic perspective. I step into their shoes, understand their challenges, and guide them. That empathy builds trust, which is key to successful incubation."
What advice do you have for aspiring innovators in India?
Don’t treat research as the end of a degree; see it as the start of solving real problems for the country. Think beyond the lab, explore markets, and believe commercialisation is possible in India. Most importantly, embrace incubation; it’s the bridge between research and industry, shaping the next era of national innovation.
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