Dr. Sukanya Punthambaker, Ph.D.

Dr. Sukanya Punthambaker, Ph.D., stands as a visionary leader in the fields of synthetic biology and environmental sustainability. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Breaking Inc., a Harvard University spinout, and gestated at Colossal Biosciences, she is leading the charge in revolutionizing plastic degradation through innovative synthetic biology. With over two decades of experience in life sciences research and biotechnology, she is not only pioneering groundbreaking solutions but also shaping the future of global sustainability.

Her journey is deeply rooted in scientific excellence. Before launching Breaking Inc., she collaborated extensively with the renowned scientist Dr. George Church at Harvard Medical School and the Wyss Institute, where she contributed to cutting-edge advancements in synthetic biology, sequencing, and protein engineering. Her academic journey is equally distinguished—she earned a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and holds a Master’s in Biotechnology and a Bachelor’s in Microbiology, both from India.

Dr. Punthambaker’s contributions have been recognized through several prestigious accolades, including the Department of Biotechnology - Junior Research Fellowship in India, the Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award, and the Okkelberg Award, which is given to an exceptional senior graduate student at the University of Michigan. In addition to these achievements, she has co-authored several influential publications in reputable peer-reviewed journals, further cementing her authority in the field.

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, and under her dynamic leadership, Breaking Inc. is well-positioned to address this issue at a fundamental level. With a mission to drive sustainability through innovation, she envisions a world where plastic waste is no longer an environmental burden but a resource for regeneration. Through next-generation solutions and AI-driven technologies, she is committed to accelerating plastic breakdown efficiently and safely. Her work is a testament to the power of science and entrepreneurship in creating a lasting impact on the planet.