Our story
In the midst of the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, two intrepid environmental engineering scientists found themselves stranded away from their university labs. Undaunted, they hatched a revolutionary idea: a versatile non-thermal plasma disinfection system to halt the spread of infection in buildings.
For two long years, they nurtured their brainchild and navigated the twists and turns of life. Then, in the summer of 2022, they made it official by incorporating their startup in Pennsylvania, USA. But they didn't stop there.
Inspired by the intricate and surreal triptych painting 'The Garden of Earthly Delights' by Hieronymus Bosch, they chose 'Kipos' - Greek for garden - as the name for their venture. They saw themselves as cultivators of healthier indoor environments everywhere, much like the vibrant garden depicted in Bosch's masterpiece.
So let it be known: in KiposTech we trust, and in the power of innovation and imagination, we thrive.
Image source: Wikipedia.
The Team
Hema Ravindran, Co-Founder & CEO
Hema is the problem-solver behind KiposTech, where science meets innovation to make indoor spaces safer for all. With a PhD in Environmental Engineering and an IIT education, Hema has always been drawn to unraveling complex challenges. Her fascination with the microscopic world began during her research, where she observed the stunning yet hazardous beauty of airborne fungi and bacteria. But it was her solo trip to Spain—standing face-to-face with Bosch’s masterpiece, The Garden of Earthly Delights—that truly lit the spark. Inspired by art’s ability to capture life’s balance between beauty and danger, she returned, left her 9-to-5 as a scientist, and took the leap to co-found KiposTech.
Today, with over a decade in biotechnology and environmental engineering, Hema leads KiposTech’s mission to combat airborne pathogens with innovative, patent-pending technologies in bioaerosol monitoring and non-thermal plasma disinfection. As CEO, she oversees R&D and product development, guiding a skilled team to bring her vision of healthier, safer spaces to life. Driven by curiosity and a passion for creation, Hema brings a unique blend of art and science to KiposTech, where her problem-solving mindset shapes the future of air disinfection.
Raj Kamal Singh, Co-Founder & CTO
Raj is the "Thor" of KiposTech, our resident plasma expert and number wizard! He spins the numbers into magic—truly a wizard of innovation. Hailing from a humble village in India, Raj's passion for science & engineering propelled him to the prestigious IIT Madras, where he laid the foundation for his remarkable journey as a self-made entrepreneur. With a PhD in Environmental Engineering and over a decade of academic and industry experience, he specializes in designing plasma reactors for environmental pollutant remediation. As a scientist, Raj has published several impactful papers and holds patents in remediation systems that showcase his pioneering spirit.
In his role, Raj manages Product Design and Innovation at KiposTech, leading a talented technical team while collaborating with global consultants. He drives performance evaluation, spearheads new product development for emerging health concerns, and oversees commercial execution. Raj isn’t just an innovator; he’s a force of nature, propelling KiposTech toward a cleaner, healthier future!
Philip Rollinson, Advisor, Business Strategy
Philip Rollinson, our Director of Business Strategy, brings extensive expertise from his roles at DuPont and a biotech Ag startup. With a background in strategic planning, market entry, product launch, and business execution, Philip has served as the former Senior Vice President at Provivi and held key positions such as Global Portfolio and Product Manager at DuPont. His leadership is instrumental in driving strategic initiatives and expanding our market presence, leveraging his deep insights into biotech and agricultural sectors to propel KiposTech's growth and innovation.
John Hess, SCORE Business Advisor
John Hess, our SCORE Business Advisor, brings a wealth of experience from his tenure as Senior Vice President and IT Head at Bank of America Credit Cards. With a focus on budgeting, financial planning, and business expansion, John's strategic insights and leadership are invaluable to KiposTech. His background in financial services and technology enables him to guide our strategic financial decisions and foster sustainable growth in the competitive landscape of advanced disinfection solutions.
Prof. Bob Dyer, Scientific Liaison for the Agricultural Market
Professor Robert Dyer, Emeritus at the University of Delaware, serves as our Scientific Liaison for the Agricultural Market. With a distinguished career focused on research in animal health and welfare, he brings invaluable expertise to apply KiposTech's technology to address longstanding issues of airborne pathogens such as PRRS, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, and other respiratory challenges causing significant economic losses to producers in the US. Professor Dyer's contributions to agricultural science and his dedication to advancing technologies for livestock health align perfectly with our mission to revolutionize disinfection solutions in the agricultural sector. His strategic guidance enhances our efforts in product development and market integration, ensuring KiposTech remains at the forefront of innovation in animal welfare, worker safety, and public health.
Product testing
Prof. Gediminas “Gedi” Mainelis
Prof. Gediminas “Gedi” Mainelis
Prof. Gediminas “Gedi” Mainelis
Prof. Gedi, a Professor at the Department of Environmental Sciences in Rutgers University, holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Health from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio. He has made significant contributions to health-related aerosol and bioaerosol research, including the development of novel bioaerosol samplers and collectors, as well as
Prof. Gedi, a Professor at the Department of Environmental Sciences in Rutgers University, holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Health from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio. He has made significant contributions to health-related aerosol and bioaerosol research, including the development of novel bioaerosol samplers and collectors, as well as the integration of bioaerosol sampling with modern microbiological analysis techniques. His pioneering publications on COVID-19 airborne transmissions have become a guiding light for the scientific community. As our product testing partner, Prof. Gedi plays a crucial role in our innovation process.
Prof. Gurumurthy Ramachandran
Prof. Gediminas “Gedi” Mainelis
Prof. Gediminas “Gedi” Mainelis
Prof. Gurumurthy Ramachandran, a distinguished Professor at the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University, serves as a product testing partner for KiposTech. His pioneering research in aerosol exposure science, aerosol technology, and risk assessment has significantly advanced understanding of occupational and environm
Prof. Gurumurthy Ramachandran, a distinguished Professor at the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University, serves as a product testing partner for KiposTech. His pioneering research in aerosol exposure science, aerosol technology, and risk assessment has significantly advanced understanding of occupational and environmental exposures on a global scale. Prof. Ramachandran's expertise is pivotal for KiposTech's broader market adoption. His influential work shapes public health policies and has earned him numerous awards and honors. Widely published and a frequent speaker at relevant conferences and symposia, Prof. Ramachandran is a leading voice in the field.