Durgalakshmi Sathiakumar

Durga is Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Sprout, where she bridges deep-tech innovation with strategic investment insights. In this role, she partners closely with early-stage founders to accelerate breakthrough advancements in biotechnology and food technology. Durga provides expert guidance on commercialisation, product validation, and venture building, empowering startups to confidently move from research bench to market-ready solutions. She also plays a vital role in startup pipeline development, due diligence, and commercialisation planning across these high-impact sectors.

Durga has previously contributed to high-impact publications in metabolic and infectious diseases and led the establishment of Southeast Asia’s first cultivated meat and seafood R&D facility. Before joining Sprout, she served as Chief Operating Officer at Shiok Meats, a pioneering cultivated meat and seafood company, where she managed operations, business strategy, and partnerships during a critical growth phase, and played a key role in securing US$30 million in funding.

She holds a Master’s degree in Bioinformatics from the University of Madras, India and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Birmingham.

She is also an angel investor, focused on giving back to the innovation community by supporting mission-driven ventures. Outside of work, Durga is a  yoga and fitness enthusiast who brings balance, energy, and curiosity to all aspects of her life.