Launched in 2005, the Nanyang Alumni Awards are presented to alumni with exemplary achievements in their field of specialisation nationally, regionally, or internationally, or have contributed significantly to the University, the community or society.
Dr Sandhya Sriram, one of the proud and deserving recipients of the Nanyang Outstanding Young Alumni Award this year, graduated from NTU School of Biological Sciences (SBS) in 2013 with a Ph.D. in Research. She is now the Group CEO and Co-founder of Shiok Meats, the first cultivated crustacean company in the world and the first cultivated seafood and meat company in Southeast Asia. Congratulations! Let’s hear more from Sandhya herself.
Why did you join NTU SBS back then?
NTU ranks amongst the best institutions in the world with a focus on emerging research. I was attracted by the immense opportunity to explore, experiment, discover, and achieve breakthroughs through a platform like NTU SBS.
How did your education with NTU SBS help shape who you are and what you do today?
NTU has given me the foundation to have the courage to take on anything post-university. Becoming an entrepreneur cannot be taught so easily – it must come from within. But a Ph.D. can prepare you to be resilient, headstrong, and well prepared for all the ups and downs of running a company.
This is my third startup, the two before being in biotechnology media and education/events. Some of the sharpest minds I have worked with across these three start-ups are people I met at NTU in some shape or form.
Can you share your fondest memories while pursuing a Ph.D.with us?
During my Ph.D., my fondest memory was working all by myself or just a few of us in the lab late into the night (with some amazing music) or on weekends, and this was an introvert’s dream (yes, I am an introvert by nature!). It allowed me to have clarity of thoughts and run experiments more efficiently too! Apart from that, I love the NTU campus – it is so beautiful, and I love taking long walks around campus.
What do you do at Shiok Meats now?
I’m the Group CEO and Co-founder of Shiok Meats, the first cultivated crustacean company in the world and the first cultivated seafood and meat company in Southeast Asia. We work on crustacean meat, which is meat from shrimp, crab, and lobster, but we make it using stem cells instead of killing animals. From raising funds and hiring a stellar team to manage the direction of technology and food production, my journey at Shiok Meats is a mix of food tech, biotech, and business.
Any tips or advice for anyone interested to pursue a business career in the Food Science industry?
Just go for it – try it and explore. Expect the challenges and be ready for them. It won’t be easy to produce food for the 10 billion we will be in 2050. Let the challenges motivate you, but not define you. Learn on the go, learn from others, and be willing to put in hard work.
About our SBS alumni: https://www.ntu.edu.sg/sbs/alumni