In this episode, we sit down with Roya Aghighi, Co-founder and CEO of Lite-1, a Vancouver-based biotech startup transforming the colour industry. We explore how traditional fabric dyes are harmful to both people and the planet, and how her team is harnessing microorganisms that naturally produce pigments to grow safe, sustainable colours for textiles. Roya also shares the challenges and breakthroughs in scaling this technology, the role of biodesign in sustainable manufacturing, and her journey leading a company committed to environmental stewardship. Tune in to discover how Lite-1 is colouring the future, naturally and responsibly.
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Roya Aghighi
Roya has two Industrial Design degrees from IUST & Emily Carr & research collaborations with UBC, and lead researcher at TU Delft Netherlands. Design and science experience in Canada & Europe gives her a solid foundation in scientific methodologies & problem-solving.
Her experience leading material development projects in brands, including Lululemon, gives her a deep understanding of innovative material implementation into existing industry processes. Her interdisciplinary mindset enables her to identify opportunities others may overlook, leading to breakthrough insights & advancements.
Her journey began with a passion for changing the world through design thinking and offering solutions to immediate problems of the time; however, her insatiable curiosity and desire to explore the world beyond design led her to embark on a remarkable scientific path.
