Nethaji Gallage

Nethaji is a world-renowned biochemist with deep expertise in engineering cells to produce high-value molecules. Formerly a research leader at the University of Copenhagen, she spearheaded a multidisciplinary industrial collaboration that successfully brought bio-based vanillin from lab to market.

She was awarded the prestigious PhD Brain Prize in 2011 and the Business Prize in 2018 by the University of Copenhagen, in recognition of her outstanding achievements in translating research into commercial success through spinouts and industry partnerships.

Nethaji’s strong scientific track record, coupled with a wide international network, has been instrumental in attracting overseas investors as well as seasoned management and commercial partners to Octarine.

As a woman of South Asian origin and a first-generation immigrant who speaks non-native Danish, she has overcome significant challenges to lead one of Denmark’s top synthetic biology companies. In recognition of her achievements, she was named one of the ‘25 Female Entrepreneurs You Should Know’ by the Danish Chamber of Commerce in 2023 and was a finalist for EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2024.