“We orchestrate eco-systems by bringing together technology and best practices for sustained economic growth, ecological protection and climate action.”

How it all started

With every passing day, our commitment and resolve grows to connect more deeply with the issues of food security, climate change and sustainability. At Firefly, we believe we can reverse the negative impact on the planet and build a safer, healthier and more resilient future for our children and for our forests. Our mission is to create regenerative tools that can prepare people for a changing world leading into a bright future.

Management

Shiva Subramanian
Founder & Managing Director
A graduate from United World College of SEA and Nottingham University (U.K.) in International Management & Finance, Shiva Subramanian is at the forefront of India’s entrepreneurship market.His primary business interests were in textiles, production & export of Coffee and F&B ventures in various locations across Bangalore.Today as head of Connect Ventures, he handles multiple roles as communicator, decision maker and leader to drive our vision of transcending. A constant source of inspiration to his team, he is also a prolific sportsperson and a thespian with over 30 years of training in different forms of Martial Arts
Nandita Abreo Subramanian
Founder & Director

Nandita is one of the founders of Firefly Life Sciences. She is responsible for planning and executing the company’s short and long-term strategy. Her main interest lies in creating and building circular economy solutions and is constantly on the look out for new technologies that are in sync with Firefly’s precept of “Applied Sustainability”. She is a certified Permaculture Designer.

Priya C. Mahalingashetty
Director of Communications

Priya heads the teams at the company’s farms and estates owing to her in-depth knowledge of the various Agri Inputs and Regenerative Practices that are part of the company’s portfolio. She has a background in Fine Arts from the Cleveland Institute of Art which she applies for design and communication of the company’s offerings. Her work today as a holistic sustainability designer is informed by her experience and agility in taking on multiple roles within Firefly over the last decade.

Rahul Kuttappa
Business Development
Rahul has a background in Mechanical Engineering. He hails from the coffee growing area of Coorg and adds his valuable experience of running an Estate to Firefly’s Agriculture vertical. His keen interest in farming has led him to spearhead “Mushroom Cultivation” for commercial and nutraceutical purposes. He has set-up a 200 kilo Mushroom unit. Borrowing from his Engineering background he has also been instrumental in setting up the required infrastructure.

Ar. Raveen Kumar R

Architecture and Design

Raveen completed his Bachelors in Architecture from Mysore School of Architecture (Visvesvaraya Technological University). His background in agriculture, environmentalism and sustainable building techniques make him a valuable contributor to Firefly’s projects and activities. He is involved at multiple project stages from conceptualization to designing, rendering and execution.

Ranjitha CN

Junior Architect

Ranjitha is an architectural designer with a Diploma in Architecture from a JSS Technical Institutions, Mysore and a Bachelor’s in Architecture from Mysore School of Architecture (Visvesvaraya Technological University) Her academic background has provided with a strong foundation in both the technical and creative aspects of architectural design, and work experience in architectural design,drawings,detail,and sense of modern and green aesthetics, allowing her to approach projects with a well-rounded perspective.

Bhabana Basumatary
Assistant Project Manager
Bhabana Basumatary, with a Master’s degree in Botany from St. Joseph’s University, is passionate about plant science and sustainability. She has experience working with various plant species and conducting research to find innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Bhabana is also skilled in time management, teamwork, and problem-solving, making her a valuable asset to the team at Firefly Life Sciences. Her interests in gardening and nature align with her commitment to promoting environmental conservation and sustainable practices in her work.
Hamsa U

Executive Assistant

Hamsa is a driven and environmental enthusiast from Mount Carmel College. She is expanding her expertise in sustainable innovation, and nature-based solutions. As an emerging green entrepreneur, Hamsa brings a thoughtful blend of scientific understanding and artistic vision to her work. Through her role at Firefly Life Sciences, she aims to contribute meaningfully to environmental wellness and gain hands-on experience that deepens her understanding of circular practices, natural health systems, and eco-conscious entrepreneurship. Her journey is rooted in a strong desire to create with purpose, inspiring a future where sustainability and impact-driven innovation go hand in hand.

Past Team Members

Anu K. Mathada

Junior Landscape Architect,

May 2022 – July 2023

Navya Diwakar

Assistant Project Manager

July 2020 – January 2023

Ananya Vyas

Communications & Content Strategist

April 2023 – July 2024

Nithya Kotapati

Botany & Biotechnology

November 2021 – April 2025

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Support

Hari Santhosh
Administrative Head
Hari Santhosh coordinates, supports and implements all administrative systems within the organization and assigns responsibilities to staff to ensure a smooth running of all the business on a daily basis.
Shanmugam
Accounts Manager
Mr. Shanmugham heads the Accounts Department. With expertise in statutory law and internal audit he liaisons on behalf of all the Connect Venture group of companies with government agencies.
Kalavathi
Assistant Accounts Manager
Kalavathi is part of the Accounts Department at Connect Ventures. Her responsibilities include inventory control and billing and invoice management.

Partners

Synkromax

Synkromax is a state-of-the-art facility for R&D and Manufacturing in Chennai, Tamil Nadu with the aim to develop innovative products and solutions in the field of Biotechnology, namely enzymes and microorganisms for agriculture, food, pharma, pulp & paper, breweries and distilleries, as well as textile and leather industries. Firefly has received and continues to receive invaluable technical guidance, knowledge and solutions through Microbiologists, Molecular Biologists, Biochemists, Fermentologists, Nanotechnology experts and Scientists within the company.

BioEn

Bioen is a waste management venture offering technologies for converting waste to energy and value added products, and has worked towards providing hygienic and eco-friendly solutions to societies, municipalities and the corporate sector. BioEn has been working in the field of anaerobic digestion, urban solid waste, and agro-residues since 2008 and their area of expertise is Bio Methanation. Together with BioEn, Firefly plans and executes innovative concepts for holistic eco-systems development and zero waste discharge.

MN Overseas

The founder of MN Overseas, Mr. Navendu Mathur worked with Goodricke Tea for 27 years in various roles, including Procurements, Administration, Operations and finally Marketing with a specialisation in value added teas which were marketed throughout India. He started his own Consultancy in 2005 and has been associated with tea companies in Eastern India as well as Retail companies in UAE. Mr. Mathur is Firefly’s partner for the Tea Market in the North-East of India.

Jatayah Limited

Mr. Uddhav Kirtikar – Founder, Jatayah Limited We are proud to have Mr. Uddhav Kirtikar as our Chief Representative for New Zealand at the Indian Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Kirtikar brings a wealth of experience with a background in law enforcement, having served as a Police Inspector in Mumbai, India, and later as an investigator with the New Zealand Government’s Commerce Commission. He is the founder of Jatayah Limited, an import-export based company that upholds the highest standards of quality. Operating within New Zealand’s strict biosecurity and quality control framework, Jatayah ensures that only the finest products enter and leave the country—meeting global expectations for safety and excellence. Mr. Kirtikar is also our partner for expanding and strengthening our presence in the Agricultural Market in New Zealand.

Living Aquatic Systemz

Founder of Living Aquatic Systemz, Rufus Monteiro is a passionate Aquatic life hobbyist, who transformed his hobby into a profession. One of the pioneers of Aquatic Systems in India he has been instrumental in popularizing Ornamental Aquatic Systems such as Ponds, Aquariums and Bio Pools in India. He is also an Industrialist and runs the second generation family business. Firefly works in collaboration with Living Aquatic Systemz on several Landscaping, Bio Pools and Ornamental Aquatic Systems.

ZSP

Established in 2005, ZSP Design and Architecture simply believes in having an elegant yet unique approach while designing personal and commercial spaces. ZSP is a firm advocate of the philosophy that creation of authentic designs is an exquisite blend of aesthetics and holistic functionality that combines architectural, landscape, interior, lighting, furniture and very importantly the client’s lifestyle and health demands. Firefly and ZSP have successfully collaborated to fulfill several services for our mutual clients.
Learn more about management

Specialists

Dr. Manivel

Consultant Tea

Dr. I. Manivel is a consultant specialising in the Agri Products & Tea sector. He has done his B.Sc and M.Sc in Horticulture and Ph.D in Plant Physiology from the University of California. He has worked for more than 20 years with the Tea Research 

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Mark Garrett

Permaculture Design Consultant

In 2009, Mark consolidated his theoretical knowledge and his 20-plus years’ experience of applying Permaculture techniques in Tropical and Sub-Tropical climates by establishing the Mark Garrett Permaculture Design Consultancy. He now consults on Permaculture Design and Sustainability Solutions for a
Read More

Prashanth Aiyappa

Regenerative Plantation Consultant

An alumnus from UAS, Bangalore, with over 25 years of experience managing plantations in South India and East Africa, which are among the world’s largest producers and exporters of Organic, Rainforest Alliance & Fairtrade certified coffee, tea and spices. 

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Kenneth Blades

Founder (KJB Agro)

A graduate of Trinity Hall, University of Cambridge (UK), Kenneth Blades trained and worked as a corporate finance lawyer for some of the world’s leading law firms. In 2001, he steered away from law and entered
Read More

Apoorva B. V

Director at Honey Day Bee Farms, Chairman of Hive Trust

Mr. Apoorva’s goal is to connect the present generation to nature through beekeeping. He facilitates the ability to build capacity in agrarian and tribal communities through natural bee farming and provides consultation for the best practices in beekeeping
Read More

Ayyappa Masagi

Founder of Water Literacy Foundation

Ayyappa Masagi is considered a “Water Warrior” for India. He has helped create countless solutions to India’s water scarcity problem and many communities, farms, and towns are now more water efficient through his help and guidance.
Read More

Gilles Boulicot

Founder (Atma Waters Pvt. Ltd.)

Gilles Boulicot, Founder of Atma Waters, holds a Professional Master’s in Structural Engineering and Steel Structure from AFPA. With over 30 years of expertise in integrated sustainable water resource management, water body rejuvenation, wastewater management, and sanitation, Gilles has worked across 23 countries.

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Dr. Sandanamudi Anudeep

Chief Scientist

Anudeep has a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Mysore. He continued his doctoral studies at CSIR-CFTRI, Mysore after clearing CSIR-UGC-NET with AIR (all India ranking -135). His research work improved his
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Rani K. C

Project Scientist

Rani has a Masters in Environmental Science from NITK (National Institute of Technology, Karnataka). She is also an IBAB (Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology) graduate. She has expertise in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology and Business Development
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Dr. H. N. Chanakya

Technical Advisor

With a PhD in Microbiology from UAS Bangalore, Dr. Chanakya has been working in the field of anaerobic digestion of rural residues, wastewater and solid wastes as well as drinking water purification for over 30 years at the Centre for Sustainable Technologies, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
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PAST INTERNSHIPS

Raj Thimmaiah

Internship Period: June – July 2022

Education: 2nd Year, BSc (CBZ)
Christ (Deemed to be University)

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Diya Chabria

Timeline: July – August 2023

Education: Cambridge AS Levels          Cambridge International Education

Read More

Tiana Muthanna

Timeline: 18th April – 25th April 2024

Education: 10th Grade
Inventure Academy

Read More

Tamanna Ayappa

Timeline: August – November 2024

Education: BSc Biology (Minor in Data, Democracy & Development)
Azim Premji University

Read More

Akshaya C

Timeline: October 2024

Education: MSc in Statistics
Christ (Deemed to be University)

Read More

Srujana Naik

Timeline: June 30th – Present 2025

Education: MSc. Botany Graduate
St. Joseph’s University

Read More

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Firefly Specialist

Dr. Manivel

Consultant Tea

Dr. I. Manivel is a consultant specialising in the Agri Products & Tea sector. He has done his B.Sc and M.Sc in Horticulture and Ph.D in Plant Physiology from the University of California. He has worked for more than 20 years with the Tea Research Board in the North of India and UPASI in the South of India and has been an immense pillar of strength for the Firefly team. 

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Firefly Specialist

Mark Garrett

Permaculture Design Consultant

In 2009, Mark consolidated his theoretical knowledge and his 20-plus years’ experience of applying Permaculture techniques in Tropical and Sub-Tropical climates by establishing the Mark Garrett Permaculture Design Consultancy. He now consults on Permaculture Design and Sustainability Solutions for a wide range of projects for both private and corporate clients world-wide. The team at Firefly procured their Permaculture Design Certification from Mark and have been associated with him ever since.
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Firefly Specialist

Prashanth Aiyappa

Regenerative Plantation Consultant

An alumnus from UAS, Bangalore, with over 25 years of experience managing plantations in South India and East Africa, which are among the world’s largest producers and exporters of Organic, Rainforest Alliance & Fairtrade certified coffee, tea and spices. He has served as Vice Chairman of The Nilgiri Planters Association and as the Hon. Secretary of the Anamallai Planters Association. He is currently an Executive Committee Member of The Nilgiri Natural History Society which endeavours to redefine life, nature & humanity through an ecologically sound & socially responsible value system. He works with the Tibetan Community in Karnataka cultivating fruit crops, enabling their transition to good agricultural practices, thereby helping them unlock ecological & economic benefits.
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Firefly Specialist

Kenneth Blades

Founder (KJB Agro)

A graduate of Trinity Hall, University of Cambridge (UK), Kenneth Blades trained and worked as a corporate finance lawyer for some of the world’s leading law firms. In 2001, he steered away from law and entered the field of agriculture. He founded KJB Agro – Exotic Fruit Tree Nursery in Chelavara, Coorg. With training and guidance from some of Florida and California’s top research facilities and universities, Kenneth Blades has worked with Karnataka Growers’ Federation, the Karnataka Planters’ Association, Christian Planters’ Guild, Association of Planters of Kerala, Planter’s Association of Tamil Nadu and more recently with the Tibetan Community in Coorg in disseminating knowledge and know-how on income enhancing fruit crops.
Close

Firefly Specialist

Apoorva B. V.

Director at Honey Day Bee Farms, Chairman of Hive Trust

Mr. Apoorva’s goal is to connect the present generation to nature through beekeeping. He facilitates the ability to build capacity in agrarian and tribal communities through natural bee farming and provides consultation for the best practices in beekeeping. He is involving the urban population to take responsibility towards conservation of life’s essential pollinators. He has supported Firefly in closing this vital loop at their farms.
Close

Firefly Specialist

Ayyappa Masagi

Founder of Water Literacy Foundation

Ayyappa Masagi is considered a “Water Warrior” for India. He has helped create countless solutions to India’s water scarcity problem and many communities, farms, and towns are now more water efficient through his help and guidance. He has been nicknamed “Water Gandhi” by villagers on the Karnataka-Andhra Pradesh border. Ayyappa Masagi has helped Firefly in implementing several rain water harvesting techniques at their farms, and in collaborative projects.
Close

Firefly Specialist

Gilles Boulicot

Founder (Atma Waters Pvt. Ltd.)

Gilles Boulicot, Founder of Atma Waters, holds a Professional Master’s in Structural Engineering and Steel Structure from AFPA. With over 30 years of expertise in integrated sustainable water resource management, water body rejuvenation, wastewater management, and sanitation, Gilles has worked across 23 countries. His extensive experience includes technical expert roles for international organizations, leading projects in stormwater management and ecological restoration of urban lakes. Gilles’ qualifications and his leadership in pioneering sustainable water solutions make him an invaluable asset to our collaborative efforts at Firefly Life Sciences.
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Firefly Specialist

Dr. Sandanamudi Anudeep

Chief Scientist

Anudeep has a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Mysore. He continued his doctoral studies at CSIR-CFTRI, Mysore after clearing CSIR-UGC-NET with AIR (all India ranking -135). His research work improved his knowledge of Food and Nutrition, Protein Chemistry, Carbohydrate chemistry, Microbiology and Animal studies. He has published research articles in peer reviewed journals and participated in various international conferences. His recent research projects include polymer science, material science, formulations of functional foods and beverages. He enjoys teaching and mentoring students pursuing science and in his free time enjoys cricket and badminton.
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Firefly Specialist

Rani K. C

Project Scientist

Rani has a Masters in Environmental Science from NITK (National Institute of Technology, Karnataka). She is also an IBAB (Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology) graduate. She has expertise in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology and Business Development. She published research articles in peer reviewed journals, books and participated in various international conferences. Her primary research focus includes nutraceutical formulations and environmental protection.

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Firefly Specialist

Dr. H. N. Chanakya

Technical Advisor

With a PhD in Microbiology from UAS Bangalore, Dr. Chanakya has been working in the field of anaerobic digestion of rural residues, wastewater and solid wastes as well as drinking water purification for over 30 years at the Centre for Sustainable Technologies, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. He has developed over 14 technologies in the field of sustainable energy and water. In the area of wastewater his research interests lie in evolving low energy and sustainable wastewater/grey water treatment coupled with energy and nutrient recovery including the use of mixotrophic algae. He also helps the Karnataka State in an advisory capacity for its mandatory and regulatory bodies in the area of Solid wastes and Wastewater Management.
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Firefly Internship

Raj Thimmaiah

  • Internship Period: June – July 2022
  • Education: 2nd Year, BSc (CBZ)
  • Christ (Deemed to be University)

Key Contributions

  • Created Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports focusing on water systems, soil profiling, and carbon neutrality for a real estate development project in Hoskote, Bangalore
  • Researched emission factors and evaluated the feasibility of introducing carbon-neutral crops.
  • Supported field tasks such as lake bed marking and catalogued beans for the molecular coffee project.
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Firefly Internship

Diya Chabria

  • Timeline: July – August 2023   
  • Education: Cambridge AS Levels
  • Cambridge International Education

Key Contributions :

  • Participated in early discussions on carbon credits and emerging technologies like biochar, enhancing knowledge of environmental policy.
  • Led an energy calculation exercise, recommending alternative energy solutions and identifying micro-turbine manufacturers.
Close

Firefly Internship

Tiana Muthanna

  • Timeline: 18th April – 25th April 2024
  • Education: 10th Grade
  • Inventure Academy

Key Contributions :

  • Conducted a literature review exploring the biodiversity of wetlands in and around Nellore.
  • Studied the microscopic structure of wetland plant parts and compared them with terrestrial plants.
Close

Firefly Internship

Tamanna Ayappa

  • Timeline: August – November 2024
  • Education: BSc Biology (Minor in Data, Democracy & Development)
  • Azim Premji University

Key Contributions :

  • Drafted case reports analyzing trial results of Firefly’s products.
  • Conducted Environmental Impact Assessments using GIS—explored rainwater harvesting, plant–pest interactions, and ecotourism impacts for a resort project in Kabini, Karnataka
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Firefly Internship

Akshaya C

  • Timeline: October 2024
  • Education: MSc in Statistics
  • Christ (Deemed to be University)

Key Contributions :

  • Developed a comprehensive plant database for landscaping projects, including the botanical names of over 2,000 plants (aquatic and terrestrial).
  • Conducted rainwater harvesting research and completed a case study on water harvesting techniques and calculations for a residence.
Close

Firefly Internship

Srujana Naik

  • Timeline: June 30th – Present 2025
  • Education: MSc. Botany Graduate
  • St. Joseph’s University

Key Contributions :

  • Developed Student-focused content promoting eco-friendly gardening and nature-based solutions.
Close

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We will respond to you as soon as possible. :)

Firefly Internship

Srujana Naik

Key Contributions:

  • Developed Student-focused content promoting eco-friendly gardening and nature-based solutions.
Close

Firefly Specialist

Dr. Manivel

Agriculture Consultant

Dr.I.Manivel is a consultant specialising in the Agri Products & Tea sector. He has done his B.Sc and M.Sc in Horticulture and Ph.D in Plant Physiology from the University of California.He has worked for more than 20 years with the Tea Research Board in the North of India and UPASI in the South of India.
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