As a girl growing up in Montreal, Nivasa Balendra (BSc’21) had an endless interest in science.
“I always loved learning. When I was a kid, every time I learned about a new science topic, I would give a presentation to my family and then give them a quiz about it,” she said, adding that she started participating in science fairs in eighth grade. Balendra, who has won numerous awards, recalls.
Balendra is currently the founder and CEO of Dispersa, a cleantech company he started while attending McGill University.
A sustainable and affordable alternative to traditional surfactants
Dispersa’s goal is to decarbonize the surfactant industry with new biosurfactants made from food waste. Surfactants are chemical components found in everyday products such as soaps, detergents, shampoos, and cosmetics. Surfactants are often made from petroleum or palm oil. Biosurfactants are a sustainable and affordable alternative.
“We harvest waste oil and sugar and, using a proprietary process developed by us, utilize microorganisms to convert these into natural biosurfactants,” explains Balendra.
Dispersa raised $3 million in funding last year from Invest Nova Scotia, Dragonfly Ventures and other investors. This contributed to the company’s expansion, with research and development facilities in the Montreal area. They currently have a large-scale facility in Cape Breton and are expanding production.
“We plan to commercially launch PuraSurf, our first ingredient in the cleaning products industry, in 2025. Our long-term mission is to bring biosurfactants to as many industries as possible, including cosmetics and personal care. ” she says.
Major support from McGill’s Dobson Center for Entrepreneurship
Balendra launched Dispersa in 2019 as a second-year student at McGill University with support from the university’s Dobson Center for Entrepreneurship.
Two of her mentors at Dobson, then-associate director Lenzi Butarid, and Dobson judge and marketing expert Sabine Landolt provided valuable guidance.
“Renjie has been very supportive of me and Dispersa’s idea from the beginning. He encouraged me to turn my research into a business. He was great support throughout the process, but especially with my They were a great support to me at a critical time in my entrepreneurial journey, when I needed to put together a proposal for the Women in Cleantech Challenge,” says 2018 finalist of the competition. says Balendra. , sponsored by the MaRS Discovery District and Natural Resources Canada, which provided more than $1 million in funding, laboratory support, and in-kind resources.
“I learned a lot from the judges by participating in the Dobson Cup competition, and it was a great opportunity to network with other student founders. Sabine used her marketing background to serve as an early advisor and help with marketing materials. ,” she added.
Early research experiences with McGill mentors
McGill University was a natural post-secondary choice for Balendra, who majored in physiology and minored in international development because of his interest in medicine and health sciences.
“Given my early experiences at MUHC and the university’s world-class reputation, particularly in the health sciences, McGill is the university I wanted to study at.”
During high school, she gained valuable hands-on experience through the McGill University Health Center (MUHC) laboratory mentoring program, where she was exposed to how top-notch science is done and researched science fair projects. .
“The lab experience was new and exciting,” says Balendra. “I had the opportunity to learn about different types of research at a young age. Professors and PhD students at McGill University shared their valuable time and expertise and made me and the other students who attended the science fair Without my early research experience at MUHC, I would not have been exposed to how much fun this field can be.”
Passion for sustainability
When Balendra was 17 years old, he discovered a new species of oil-degrading bacteria that produces biosurfactants. This basic research led to his creation of Dispersa.
“After the Lac-Mégantic train accident and oil spill, I was motivated to find local solutions to the global problem of oil pollution,” says Balendra. Balendra collected soil samples in his backyard and identified a new species of bacteria that has the ability to produce biosurfactants. Along the St. Lawrence River.
My time at McGill further increased my focus on sustainability.
“The international development professors were very passionate about sustainability and social impact, values that are central to Dispersa’s mission,” says Balendra.
After graduating, Balendra won a Pathy Fellowship, open to students at six universities, including McGill University.
“The Pathy Fellowship focused on community-based leadership and social impact.
We are building a business where it is important to instill the values of social, economic and environmental change as we continue to grow and realize this in our daily work.” says.
Entrepreneurship rooted in social values
Social values are as much a part of Balendra’s identity as her entrepreneurial spirit and scientific curiosity.
“My entrepreneurial spirit is deeply rooted in both community service and building healthier communities. It comes from experience,” says Balendra.
As the owner of a socially engaged, sustainable business, Balendra asks, “How can we create an intergenerational impact?”
Here’s her answer: “Our goal is to be a leader in the biosurfactant field and mainstream affordable, safe and sustainable surfactants into industries that touch our daily lives. Helping develop safer consumer products for healthier communities. That’s what drives me every day.”
