Leaders

Women leaders in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors have made remarkable strides, driving innovation, advancing healthcare, and shaping the future of science. They are known not only for their technical expertise but also for their ability to inspire, mentor, and lead change in an industry that continuously evolves. From leading cutting-edge research to spearheading global health initiatives, their leadership has contributed to the development of life-saving drugs, vaccines, and treatments that have transformed the medical landscape.

One such leader is Sharvari Kulkarni, the Chief Technology Officer at BDG LifeSciences. Sharvari's career journey is a testament to her passion and commitment to biotechnology. She completed her Bachelor's in Biotechnology Engineering with distinction from KIT's College of Engineering in Kolhapur in 2007. While working as an Assistant Professor at Thadomal Shahani Engineering College (TSEC), she furthered her academic pursuits and completed her Master's in Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering, also with distinction, in 2015. Currently, she is pursuing her PhD in Biotechnology at Amity University Mumbai.

Sharvari’s interest in biotechnology began during the biotech boom of the early 2000s. Inspired by global advancements, especially the role of biotechnology in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability, she was captivated by the possibility of decoding life at the molecular level. This fascination led her to focus on bioinformatics, where she saw immense potential to bridge biology with data science. The COVID-19 pandemic reinforced her belief in the power of biotechnology, particularly in vaccine development and drug discovery, driving her to deepen her knowledge in computational biology.

Sharvari's work extends beyond research, she is passionate about teaching and mentoring. She takes immense pride in helping researchers and students master bioinformatics tools, guiding them in drug discovery, with a count of more than 50 PhD scholars till date, thereby contributing to the next generation of innovators in the biotechnology field. Her training programs currently rank second in the field with a 7-star rating. She has expertise and proficiency in using all the CADD open-source tools as well as licensed software along with various online bioinformatics web servers.

For Sharvari, biotechnology is not just a career, it’s a purpose, one that combines science, technology, and education to make impactful contributions to global health and innovation. Let’s dive in to know more.

Your professional journey bridges both the corporate and education sectors. Can you walk us through your diverse career path and how it has allowed you to explore different aspects of biotechnology?

My professional journey began as a young manufacturing engineer at Dhirubhai Ambani Life Sciences in Mumbai, where I had the golden opportunity to enter the corporate world. I worked in the CGMP unit, focusing on production processes, harvest processes, documentation for instrument turnover packages. Later, I moved to the purification section, working with advanced purifiaction techniques

In 2009, I shifted to the education sector, joining TSEC as a faculty member where I taught subjects such as Bioinformatics, Immunology, IPR, Bioethics, and Biosafety. This is where I discovered my passion for teaching. In 2013, I joined Rizvi College of Engineering as an assistant professor in Biotechnology and was entrusted with setting up the department’s laboratories.

In 2020, I moved to BDG LifeSciences as a technical associate, later being promoted to senior technical associate in 2021, and currently, I hold the position of Chief Technology Officer. As CTO, I blend my passion for teaching with my experience in research, while honing my leadership and communication skills, with the aim of bridging the gap between industry and academia.

Tell us about BDG LifeSciences and the various roles and responsibilities you undertake as the company’sCTO.

BDG LifeSciences is a pioneering organization dedicated to providing cutting-edge training and workshops in bioinformatics, biotechnology, AI, and machine learning. As the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of BDG LifeSciences, my role blends strategic vision, technical expertise, and leadership. I oversee the development of technology-driven strategies and the incorporation of emerging tools like AI and machine learning into our training programs. I ensure our content remains relevant by designing innovative modules and integrating the latest technologies. Leading a diverse team, I collaborate with academic institutions and research organizations to expand our global footprint, focusing on regions like Australia and New Zealand. Additionally, I work to enhance our digital presence, improve program outcomes using data analytics, and explore new methods like virtual reality and webinars to deliver engaging content. My goal is to ensure BDG LifeSciences remains a trusted leader in training, helping individuals and organizations thrive in the evolving science and technology landscape.

Can you share one of the most interesting projects or initiatives you've led? What was the intended outcome, and how did it turn out?

I have 15 international publications on computer-aided drug design, and each project holds its own special significance with unique outcomes. However, I’d like to highlight my first in-silico project titled In Silico Analysis of Napthoquinone Derivatives as Topoisomerase Inhibitors in Cancer. In this project, we conducted molecular dynamics simulations, docking, and QSAR studies on drug analogues and receptors. The creation of a unique QSAR model was a significant achievement and showed great promise in the field of computer-aided drug design. This project was a pivotal moment in my career, marking a major turning point.

Another milestone I cherish is my first international webinar, which garnered a huge response and left a lasting impact. More recently, a protein model I developed was accepted and submitted to the prestigious Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, which was a tremendous personal and professional achievement. These experiences have been both rewarding and affirming in my career.

Reflecting on your journey, what would you consider your most significant professional milestones? And what has been your guiding 'success mantra' throughout?

Looking back on my professional journey, I take pride in the milestones I've achieved across academia, industry, and bioinformatics training. As the Chief Technology Officer at BDG Life Sciences, I lead international training programs in Bioinformatics, mentoring researchers and students. Prior to this, as a Senior Technical Associate, I expanded my expertise in research guidance. My academic experience spans over a decade, teaching subjects like Bioinformatics, Immunology, and Protein Engineering. I also have hands-on industry experience, including working in microbial and mammalian cell culture production. My success mantra is 'Adapt, Innovate, Educate', and I firmly believe in the power of hard work, discipline, and focused planning.

Sharvari Kulkarni, Chief Technology Officer, BDG Lifesciences

Sharvari Kulkarni is the Chief Technology Officer at BDG LifeSciences, specializing in biotechnology, bioinformatics, and AI-driven training. With a strong academic background, including a Master’s in Biotechnology, she has over a decade of experience in academia, research, and leadership, empowering professionals and students globally through innovative learning initiatives. She deeply admires Sudha Murty and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw as women leaders. Both leaders demonstrate the power of values-driven leadership, perseverance, and forward-thinking strategies, qualities that she strives to incorporate into her own professional journey.