Great ideas and innovation always come from startups

Sattvam Life Science is a company pioneering advancements in green chemistry, biomanufacturing and Al-driven process development. Dr Pundalik Pednekar, Founder and MD, Sattvam Life Science shares his insights on the company's journey, its innovation-led growth, and its mission to make Indian science a global benchmark for quality and responsibility, in conversation with Swati Rana

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Can you share the thought behind the establishment of Sattvam Life Science and what inspired its foundation?

Sattvam Life Science was founded with a vision to build a science-driven, innovation-led pharma company rooted in integrity, quality, and sustainability – offering end-to-end solutions from drug substance to drug products. Our expertise spans advanced chemistry disciplines, including synthetic chemistry, biopharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and bioenzymatic catalyst-based chemistry. We also focus on developing continuous processes, such as flow chemistry, to reduce waste and carbon footprint.

After years of experience in the life sciences and specialty chemicals sector, I recognised a clear gap – the need for an agile Indian company focused on value creation through advanced chemistry and responsible manufacturing.

The idea behind Sattvam was not merely to produce pharmaceuticals, but to redefine how science can serve humanity – by integrating green chemistry, digital technology, and scalable innovation. “Sattvam,” derived from Sanskrit, symbolises purity, balance, and knowledge – the very principles that guide our organisation.

Great ideas and innovations often originate from startups, and Sattvam embodies that spirit.

What are the key growth drivers for the company since its inception?

Our growth has been driven by three major pillars:

● Innovation at the core – focusing on process development, biotransformation, and technology-enabled manufacturing.

● Commitment to quality – aligning systems with global standards such as WHO, USFDA, and EU-GMP.

● Customer-centric approach – building long-term partnerships and customized solutions rather than transactional engagements.

Additionally, our emphasis on cost-effective and sustainable manufacturing has made us competitive both in India and globally.