Orish J Bioworks Pvt. Ltd., a DPIIT-recognised startup incubated at IIT Delhi, stands at the forefront of nutraceutical innovation. The company’s patented nanocurcumin delivers over 95% purity without carrier particles, a distinction that sets it apart in the market. Backed by pre-clinical validation for both safety and efficacy, it has already advanced to TRL 5 on the BIRAC scale. This breakthrough makes nc-95x (Nanocurcumin) ready for immediate deployment in health and wellness products, especially within the nutraceutical segment.
With a clear focus on food and beverage applications, Orish is strategically shaping solutions that redefine how nutraceuticals are developed and consumed. Operating from its working space at AIC IIT Delhi Sonipat Campus, the company continues to push the boundaries of science-driven wellness.
At FIIT Forward 2025, hosted by FITT and IIT Delhi, The Interview World engaged in an exclusive dialogue with Rima Pandey, Co-founder and Director of Orish J Bioworks Pvt. Ltd. In this insightful exchange, she unveiled the company’s latest advancements in nc-95x (Nanocurcumin) and its practical applications. She also highlighted Orish’s patent achievement, outlined the portfolio of nanocurcumin-based products under development, and articulated her long-term vision for the next decade.
What follows are the most compelling takeaways from her conversation.
Q: Can you share insights into Orish’s latest innovations in nanocurcumin solutions and how these advancements are being applied across different industries and use cases?
A: We have built our innovation on the entire value chain of turmeric, right from the farm to health, wellness, and market applications. Using our proprietary nanotechnology, which is protected by patent, we extract curcumin from turmeric and then subject it to a unique nanotization process. This transforms curcumin molecules into nanoparticles of curcuminoids, which unlock multiple possibilities across diverse applications.
The value for people is easy to grasp. Our inventive nc-95x (Nanocurcumin) enhances health and wellness, and it can be delivered in multiple formats. Our R&D journey has been extensive. For instance, we conducted an anecdotal study in palliative care for cancer patients, specifically those with head and neck cancers. The outcomes were highly encouraging. Patients reported weight gain, improved sleep, better digestion, and significant pain relief, all critical given the severe cellular damage and side effects caused by cancer therapy.
These results gave us the confidence to move toward clinical trials, particularly for stage 4 cancer patients and broader palliative care use cases. That represents one important application. Another area is geriatric care. Elderly patients suffering from arthritis often lose mobility, and our nanocurcumin has shown potential in alleviating these challenges, restoring some measure of ease and comfort.
The third major application lies in functional foods. This molecule, nc-95x (Nanocurcumin), integrates seamlessly into formats like chocolates, green tea, and nutraceutical capsules. For example, when paired with green tea, nanoparticles support neuro-regeneration, offering potential benefits against neurodegenerative conditions. Similarly, chocolates, capsules, and tablets make its consumption both accessible and appealing.
We have also developed honey infused with curcumin nanoparticles, a natural deworming solution for children. Safe for daily use on an empty stomach, it is free from side effects and highly effective as a preventive wellness measure.
Across these initiatives, our anecdotal studies have generated a robust body of R&D data. With that foundation, we now stand at the threshold of commercialization. We are actively engaging with B2B clients while simultaneously building e-commerce channels to launch a full product range, including teas, capsules, gummies, tablets, and more.
Q: Has Orish secured any patents for its nanocurcumin, and if so, could you outline the geographies these patents currently cover?
A: We secured a patent for this nanoparticle ingredient in India, as it is a single compound with wide-ranging applications. We have exclusive right for the patent secured by Prof. Santosh Kumar Kar, Ex-Head of School of Biotechnology, JNU, our mentor and guide. However, we have not yet filed patents for this product in other countries such as the US or the UK. Going forward, we plan to expand our patent portfolio internationally. We are developing other phyto-ingredients, including Nano Ashwagandha and Nano Berberine, for which we intend to seek patents in the US and Europe. Eventually, we will also file for global protection of this nanoparticle, but at present, our granted patent covers only India.
Q: Could you provide an overview of the nanocurcumin-based products Orish has developed and successfully commercialized so far?
A: Our first ingredient is fully ready for the B2B market. Any client from this segment can easily source it from us, as we have established a pilot facility at our AIC–IIT Delhi campus in Sonipat dedicated to ingredient supply. At the same time, we are preparing to enter the B2C space with seven products already lined up. These products are nearly complete, and we are now focused on building robust sales channels. We are setting up our own e-commerce platform to reach consumers directly. The first wave of products will include capsules, tablets, green tea, mouthwash, a wound-healing gel, and advanced wound-healing patches.
Q: Looking ahead, where do you envision Orish over the next 5 to 10 years in terms of innovation, market expansion, and revenue growth?
A: Over the next five years, we aim to develop at least 7 to 10 patented ingredients and apply them across a diverse range of products. Each ingredient holds multiple applications, which means our portfolio could expand to nearly 50 products. This breadth will give us a strong edge in the market. On the financial front, we are targeting revenues of around ₹50 crore, with aspirations to surpass ₹100 crore depending on our funding trajectory. As a startup, we operate with limited resources, but we are determined to maximize their value. At the same time, we are preparing to enter highly mature markets such as Europe and the US, which present immense growth opportunities for our category of products.
