In this episode of The Climate Cycle, we sit down with Roya Aghighi and Sarah Graham, co-founders of Lite-1.

Lite-1 is using biomanufacturing to produce sustainable dyes from microorganisms, replacing the fossil fuel-based dyes and pigments used in many industries.

Dyes are easy to overlook even though they’re right in front of us. But conventional versions are made from fossil fuels, contributing to water pollution, human health risk, and climate change. Lite-1 is aiming to take over these synthetic colourants with their sustainable and circular alternatives.

In our conversation, we explore the world of biodesign and precision fermentation, and why Roya and Sarah believe it’s the future of manufacturing. We also talk about the environmental and social impact of traditional dyes and the shift they’re seeing towards sustainable solutions like Lite-1 from partners in fashion and other industries.

Roya and Sarah also share their experiences building a hardtech company in Canada and how we can build a more supportive ecosystem for hardtech and climate tech.

About Lite-1

Lite-1 is at the forefront of transforming the colour industry, transitioning it from one of the most pollutive sectors to a clean, sustainable, and ethical one. By pioneering the next generation of 100% sustainable colourants grown from microorganisms in a circular system, Lite-1 is revolutionizing the way colours are produced and experienced. Using microbes as the factories of the future, Lite-1 cultivates sustainable dyes and colourants that offer an eco-friendly alternative to the fossil fuel-based dyes currently prevalent across industries. 

With the founders leading the charge in the field of biodesign, Lite-1 introduces a groundbreaking approach to interdisciplinary collaboration and bridges the gap between innovative technologies, systemic change, and societal needs, paving the way for a circular and regenerative economy that is not only environmentally sound but also economically viable. By prioritizing sustainability and profitability in equal measure, Lite-1 is shaping a brighter, more colourful future for industries worldwide.

If you liked this episode, please leave a review! You can also send feedback and ideas for future episodes to ⁠hello@climatetechcanada.ca⁠

In our conversation, we cover:

• [4:09 ] Roya & Sarah's journey into biodesign and biomanufacturing


• [8:58 ] The problem with conventional dyes


• [12:23 ] How biomanufacturing works


• [14:46 ] Advancements in bioreactor technology


• [18:46 ] Scaling up and adoption with industry


• [21:06 ] Integrating with existing supply chains


• [30:33 ] Common misconceptions about biodesign


• [35:21 ] Challenges building a hardtech company in Canada


• [43:40 ] Building out the Lite-1 team & what's next

Episode Links

Lite-1

Roya Aghighi

Sarah Graham

The Invention of Nature by Andrea Wulf

Grow magazine by Ginko Bioworks