ChakraTech's Biodegradable Polymer Technology Showcased at California State Capitol
Biomanufacturing platform offers alternative to microplastic-generating petrochemical plastics
02/05/2025
ChakraTech's biomanufacturing platform for biopolymers and chemicals was featured before California's Assembly Economic Development Committee in Sacramento. Founder and CEO Dr. Ravi Chawla was nominated by California's SBDC Network to represent innovative startups across California.
Dr. Chawla addressed legislators on how ChakraTech is pioneering the conversion of waste streams into biodegradable polymers, a sustainable alternative to petrochemical plastics. Regenerative. Carbon-negative. Safe for people and planet. This is the future of manufacturing.
The presentation comes as California implements SB 54, landmark legislation requiring a reduction in single-use plastics by 2032. For ChakraTech, SB 54 unlocks significant market demand for biodegradable alternatives. The company is building to meet it.
What starts in California rarely stays in California. Similar mandates are spreading across the U.S. and globally. ChakraTech is building for a worldwide transition.
"Deep-tech ventures don't happen in a vacuum. It takes an ecosystem to raise," Dr. Chawla said. "California's innovation ecosystem is unparalleled. The infrastructure, advisors, and policy leadership create the conditions for companies like ours to tackle hard problems."
The company is scaling a platform that addresses carbon emissions and plastic pollution through a single integrated process, positioning ChakraTech at the intersection of regulatory demand and market opportunity.
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ChakraTech Recognized Among World's Top 10 Biopolymer Companies
11/1/2025
StartUs Insights has recognized ChakraTech among the world's leading biopolymer innovators shaping the future of sustainable materials—selected for our AI-enhanced platform that turns carbon waste into biodegradable products.
Grateful for the recognition. Even more thrilled about what's next. More to come.
ChakraTech Receives California State Senate Recognition
08/14/2025
ChakraTech has been honored with recognition from California State Senator Brian Jones for our dedication to community betterment through innovation in sustainability, regenerative and circular economy solutions, and biomaterials.
The recognition highlights our team's commitment to addressing global challenges, reducing environmental impact, and inspiring the next generation of innovators through the power of science and entrepreneurship.
"We're incredibly grateful for the community support that makes our work possible," said Dr. Ravi Chawla. "This recognition reflects not just our team's efforts, but the collaborative ecosystem that makes California special.”
CharkaTech wins 2025 Triton Sustainability Challenge
07/01/2025
We're thrilled to announce that ChakraTech has been awarded First Prize and Audience Favorite in the Advanced Research Track at UC San Diego's Triton Sustainability Challenge!
Our technology, which uses bacteria to consume greenhouse gases and produce biodegradable plastics, was recognized for its potential to address both climate change and plastic pollution simultaneously.
We're grateful to the Wavemaker Lab, The William and Kathryn Scripps Family Foundation, UC San Diego's innovation ecosystem, and the greater San Diego entrepreneurship community for their continued support in bringing innovative environmental solutions to life.
The future of materials is alive, and we're excited to keep building it.
See the press release for additional details.
ChakraTech Selected as Finalist for 2025 SXSW Pitch
01/16/2025
ChakraTech, a start-up pioneering carbon-negative solutions, has been named a finalist in the Innovative World Tech category at the 17th annual SXSW Pitch.
SXSW Pitch, presented by KPMG, is the marquee event of South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conference & Festivals (March 7 - 15, 2025), where leading startups from around the world showcase some of the most impressive technology innovations to a panel of hand-picked judges and a live audience. Out of the 589 companies that applied to present at SXSW Pitch 2025, ChakraTech was selected among the 45 finalists, spanning nine separate categories.
The two-day event will be held the first weekend of SXSW Conference & Festivals, Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, March 9, at the Downtown Hilton Austin. The event will then culminate with the 2025 SXSW Pitch Awards Ceremony on Sunday evening, March 9, where winning startups from each category and a Best in Show winner will be announced and honored in Salon H on the sixth floor of the Hilton Hotel.
SXSW Pitch will feature finalists across the following nine categories: AgTech & Food, Enterprise, Smart Data, FinTech & Future of Work, Entertainment, Media, Sports & Content, Robotics, Web3, Voice & Extended Reality, HealthTech, MedTech, BioTech & Accessibility, Innovative World Tech, Security, GovTech & Space, Smart Cities, Transportation & Sustainability, and Student Startups.
“Being selected as a finalist marks a defining milestone in ChakraTech's journey. This recognition strengthens our commitment to pioneering sustainability through groundbreaking carbon-negative technologies. We’re excited to showcase our innovation and vision for a sustainable future at SXSW,” said ChakraTech's founder, Dr. Ravi Chawla.
“SXSW Pitch has been dedicated to championing the startup community since its establishment in 2009. Since its inception, SXSW Pitch has strived to support the early-stage venture ecosystem, providing the resources and exposure necessary to help start-ups not only succeed but thrive,” said SXSW Pitch Event Producer Chris Valentine. “The 45 companies selected as finalists for the 2025 program serve as the next ambassadors of innovation across the globe. We are looking forward to having these startups take the stage in March to present their technologies to our panel of expert judges.”
For more information about SXSW Pitch and to view the complete list of finalists, visit: https://www.sxsw.com/pitch.
See the press release for additional details.
ChakraTech: Shaping Tomorrow Through Opportunity and Innovation
November, 2024:
ChakraTech was recently highlighted in a news report by the San Diego Economic Development Council (EDC) for its impactful contributions to workforce development through the Advancing San Diego funded internship program.
As a company committed to pushing the boundaries of technology for a sustainable future, ChakraTech recognizes that innovation is driven by people. Technology alone cannot solve the world's challenges—it requires the talent, creativity, and vision of those who bring it to life. That’s why we are deeply invested in training and collaborating with the next generation of leaders who will shape industries and communities for years to come.
Our participation in Advancing San Diego underscores this commitment by providing students with hands-on opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge projects in biotechnology, renewable energy, and sustainable manufacturing. These internships are not only a platform for skill-building but also a pathway to breaking down barriers and fostering social mobility.
Dr. Ravi Chawla, Founder and CEO of ChakraTech, expressed the company’s ethos in the news feature:
“I was drawn to this internship program because of my commitment to social mobility and reducing socioeconomic gaps. Companies have a pivotal role in building a more equitable future, especially by empowering the next generation of talent. My favorite part about working with the Advancing San Diego interns at ChakraTech has been their contagious enthusiasm and unwavering dedication to the work.”
ChakraTech’s involvement demonstrates how businesses can bridge technological advancement with social responsibility, fostering partnerships that drive economic growth and create lasting societal impact. By empowering young professionals and equipping them with the tools to innovate, we ensure that sustainability and equity are woven into the fabric of the future.
Read more about the Advancing San Diego program and its impact here.
ChakraTech Receives Funding Support from the NSF and UC San Diego’s IGE Program
September, 2024:
Committed to sustainability, we are proud to announce that ChakraTech partnered with UC San Diego's Institute for Global Entrepreneurship (IGE) to receive funding support for completing the National Science Foundation (NSF) Desert & Pacific Region I-Corps Sustainability Program this summer. Our team embarked on an enriching journey, interviewing partners across diverse industries—from food packaging to medical and composting facilities—to better understand and serve customer needs through our biomanufacturing platform.
Wavemaker Lab Fuels ChakraTech's Growth
August, 2024:
ChakraTech proudly announces its successful completion of the first cohort at the Wavemaker Lab, UC San Diego's newly rebranded startup incubator, previously known as the PSE-Lab. The Lab provided invaluable mentorship, guiding ChakraTech from concept to a thriving company. As the Wavemaker Lab expands, it remains a vital resource for entrepreneurs across Southern California. ChakraTech continues to receive tremendous support from the Lab, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Click here to learn more about our journey and partnership with the Wavemaker Lab.
ChakraTech Receives Funding to Support Summer Internship Program in San Diego
March, 2024:
We are thrilled to announce that ChakraTech has been awarded state grant funding to promote equitable career pathways from postsecondary education into the workforce. This initiative supports internships in three key areas—business, computing, and engineering—and aims to bridge gaps in these fields. The grant program aims to address long-standing social and economic inequities and disparities in higher education and workforce participation, while also aiding in California’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Do you know motivated students enrolled in public programs at San Diego-based educational institutions, such as community colleges, universities, or certificate programs, who are keen to explore the dynamic world of sustainability startups? If so, please share this link to explore paid summer internship opportunities in business, computing, and engineering at our startup.
The application deadline for this opportunity, administered through our funding partners, is set for April 12th, 2024.
Introducing ChakraTech: Pioneering the Fusion of Techologies for a Sustainable Future
Unveiling ChakraTech's Story: Founder Ravi Chawla's Candid Conversation in Mick Hammock's Latest Blog