Science with Purpose

Maya, can you tell us about your scientific background and how it led you to nanomaterials and bio-conjugation?

My academic journey began in Kerala, India, with an M.Sc. in Chemistry from Mahatma Gandhi University and an M.Tech from Cochin University of Science and Technology. These programmes gave me a strong foundation in chemistry, catalysis, and nanomaterials, both in theory and hands-on research. During my M.Tech, an internship at CSIR–National Chemical Laboratory resulted in my first first-author publication and sparked my fascination with nanomaterials. I realised I wanted to work at the intersection of science and innovation, applying my research to meaningful real-world solutions.

What inspired you to apply your scientific expertise to real-world healthcare challenges?

While my academic work shaped my technical skills, it was a deeply personal experience that defined my mission. My grandfather suffered from a chronic wound, and I watched him endure constant pain despite our care. Being his primary caregiver, I became acutely aware of the limitations of knowledge and treatment. That experience made me realise that meaningful impact requires translating scientific expertise into tools and solutions that truly help people. His passing became the catalyst for my career purpose: developing diagnostics that could make a real difference in patient care.

I’m very sorry about your loss. It sounds like this experience was not only deeply personal but also transformative for your career, even leading you toward entrepreneurship.

Yes, that’s true. While I initially planned to pursue a PhD in Switzerland, I came across Module Innovations, a startup developing rapid UTI diagnostics. Their mission resonated deeply with me. I realised I could use my scientific training to create an immediate, tangible impact. That decision to join the startup instead of pursuing a PhD marked the start of my entrepreneurial journey.

What challenges have you faced in moving from research to entrepreneurship, and how did you overcome them?

Transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship was challenging because there was no fixed roadmap. In research, you often have structured guidance; in a startup, every day brings unexpected challenges, and you must make decisions quickly. At first, the uncertainty seemed challenging, but I learned to adapt and take a pragmatic approach. Over time, I discovered that I enjoyed combining science with strategy, problem-solving, and creativity.

Innovation in startups often looks different from innovation in the lab. How did you adapt your mindset?

In academia, success is measured by publications and discoveries. In a startup, the measure of success is whether a product works reliably in the real world and solves an urgent problem. That shift in mindset was essential — moving from “knowledge for its own sake” to “solutions people will actually use.” At the same time, my scientific background gave me the rigor needed to ensure that what we build is not only fast but also reliable and safe.

What are the most exciting projects you’re working on right now at Module Innovations?

Our flagship work focuses on rapid diagnostics for urinary tract infections (UTIs). Traditional methods can take days, which delays treatment and contributes to antimicrobial resistance. Our test provides results within hours, enabling doctors to prescribe the right antibiotics more quickly. It’s exciting to see how this can improve patient care and help fight the global AMR crisis. We’re also exploring other point-of-care diagnostics that could bring similar impact to different areas of healthcare.

Teamwork and interdisciplinarity seem to be at the heart of your work. How do you approach this as a leader?

The problems we’re tackling can’t be solved by a single discipline. At Module Innovations, chemists, biologists, and engineers work side by side. My role as CTO is not to have all the answers but to create an environment where different expertise comes together to build real solutions. Interdisciplinary teamwork is our strength, and I see leadership as enabling others to do their best work.

Looking ahead, what is your long-term vision for Module Innovations?

We aim to become a leader in rapid point-of-care diagnostics, especially in areas where timely treatment decisions are critical. In the next few years, we want to expand our reach beyond India and make our solutions accessible to healthcare providers worldwide. Our vision is to empower doctors and patients with the right information at the right time, ultimately improving outcomes and reducing misuse of antibiotics.

What advice would you give to scientists considering the leap into entrepreneurship?

Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment — it never comes. If you feel your science can make a difference, take the first step. Entrepreneurship is full of unknowns, but that’s also where the growth happens. Build a strong network, seek out mentors, and most importantly, stay connected to the purpose that drives you. That sense of purpose will sustain you through the challenges.

Finally, looking back at your journey, what keeps you motivated today?

What keeps me going is the knowledge that our work can directly touch people’s lives. Every diagnostic tool we create is more than just a product; it’s a way of giving patients and clinicians answers they urgently need. For me, science is most powerful when it leaves the lab and improves care in the real world. That purpose continues to guide me, no matter how many challenges we face.

What happens next?

Check out our event calendar for upcoming workshops. Stay tuned for more updates, opportunities, and success stories!

Connect with  Maya Viswanathan via LinkedIn!

Interviewer & Editor, Design: Bianca Cramer