Industrial materials, grown—not manufactured.
Transforming waste into next-gen biomaterials using living systems.
About Us
Khaya Biosciences is pioneering a new kind of biomanufacturing. We grow high-performance materials using efficient microbes and upcycled waste streams—creating sustainable alternatives to film plastics, leathers, and hydrogels. Inspired by ecosystems, not factories.
Built by Biology
Leveraging natural microbial processes to create sustainable materials.
Grown from Waste
Transforming industrial byproducts into valuable resources.
Designed for Industry
Creating scalable solutions for real-world manufacturing challenges.
Our Vision
We're building a future where manufacturing behaves more like nature—adaptive, self-sustaining, and circular. In nature, waste is never wasted. One organism's byproduct becomes another's fuel, forming resilient ecosystems built on balance.
From Disposable to Regenerative
At Khaya, we're borrowing from nature's playbook. We grow industrial biomaterials that degrade, evolve, and regenerate—just like the ecosystems they're inspired by. Not manufactured in spite of waste, but because of it.
The Current System Is Broken
Today, most of what we make is destined for the landfill. Single-use packaging, fast furniture, plastics with centuries-long lifespans—all by design. Even well-intentioned solutions like recycling act more like a band-aid than a cure. What's needed isn't a better bin—it's a better beginning.
A New Kind of Industry
We envision a world where materials are grown, not extracted. Where production means cultivation, not pollution. Our biomanufacturing process turns overlooked byproducts into useful, versatile, and truly degradable goods—no assembly line required. It's not just less bad—it's structurally better.
From Waste to Worth
Khaya's technology enables a new kind of manufacturing: one that's modular, decentralized, and metabolically attuned to the planet. With the right microbes and the right waste streams, we can build living supply chains—ones that scale sustainably and leave no trace behind.
"We believe the next industrial revolution won't be built. It'll be grown."
Powered by Microbes. Perfected by Design.
Our innovative process transforms waste into high-performance materials
Waste Collection
We source nutrient-rich byproducts from existing industries
Waste Collection
We source nutrient-rich byproducts from existing industries
Microbial Cultivation
Our engineered microbes grow rapidly in this feedstock
Microbial Cultivation
Our engineered microbes grow rapidly in this feedstock
In-situ Growth & Harvest
Bacteria produce nanocellulose-based biomaterials
In-situ Growth & Harvest
Bacteria produce nanocellulose-based biomaterials
Drying & Application
We shape, dry, and treat materials for real-world use
Drying & Application
We shape, dry, and treat materials for real-world use
What We Make
We're developing scalable materials with potential in fashion, packaging, and medical textiles.
Bioplastics Alternatives
Sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics for packaging and consumer goods.
Leather-like Materials
Plant-based alternatives to animal leather with customizable properties.
Hydrogels & Nanocellulose
Advanced materials for medical applications and specialized industries.
Our Founders
Founded by friends. Backed by microbial science and grit.
J. Sebastian Garcia-Medina
Founder & CSO
Sebastian is a scientist and Colombian-born biomanufacturer, currently completing his PhD in genetics at Weill Cornell Medicine. His award-winning research on bacterial cellulose has been recognized by the Swarovski Foundation, the UN Office for Partnerships, and TEDx. At Khaya, he leads scientific innovation and bioprocess development.
Mike Ashton
Co-Founder
Mike is a startup operator and strategist who leads business development and operations at Khaya. With a legal background and experience in navigating complex partnerships, he helps bring innovation into the world by translating ideas into action. Mike focuses on shaping the company's growth, communicating its story, and building the relationships that help it thrive.
Guided by Experience
Dr. Christopher Mason
Advisor
Professor of Genomics, Weill Cornell Medicine
Christopher Mason is a world-renowned genomics expert and professor at Weill Cornell Medicine, known for pioneering work in synthetic biology, space medicine, and multi-omic data science. He advises NASA, the NIH, and global biotech companies shaping the future of human health and planetary sustainability.
Recognition
Collaborations
We're proud to work with innovators in food and biotech.
Join the Bioindustrial Revolution
Contact us at info@khaya.bio
Interested in collaborating, supplying waste, or learning more?