Coffee with a Founder Podcast: Harshal Chokhawala, ZymoChem

11- Aug-2026

In this episode of Coffee With a Founder, BAM CEO Beck Bamberger sits down with Dr. Harshal Chokhawala, co-founder and CEO of ZymoChem, a biotechnology company using advanced fermentation to create sustainable materials for everyday products.

Harshal shares ZymoChem’s journey from years of laboratory research to the commercialization of BAYSE, the world’s first scalable, 100% bio-based and biodegradable superabsorbent polymer. Designed for diapers, feminine hygiene products, and other personal-care applications, BAYSE offers a renewable alternative to the fossil-based plastics traditionally used throughout the hygiene industry.

He also explains what it takes to move a deep-tech innovation from scientific discovery to a market-ready product—including meeting manufacturers’ expectations for performance, affordability, and scale. The conversation examines the environmental and health concerns surrounding microplastics, along with the personal experiences with pregnancy and parenting that made the company’s mission even more urgent.

Together, they explore building a high-functioning team, creating a supportive network of partners and investors, and translating complex biotechnology into a message consumers can understand. It is a conversation about turning breakthrough science into practical solutions—and reimagining the materials inside products millions of people use every day.

show notes:

00:00 Launching Bayse plant-based polymer

05:52 Reinventing the biodegradable diaper

07:44 Discovering biotech opportunities

12:26 Eco-friendly diaper innovation

14:03 Building a high-functioning team

19:15 Building a supportive network

Read More About The Episode:

00:00 — Launching Bayse, a Plant-Based Polymer
The founder of ZymoChem introduces Bayse, the company’s first commercial plant-based superabsorbent polymer. Designed for diapers, feminine hygiene products, and other everyday applications, Bayse offers a renewable alternative to fossil-based plastics and the microplastics they leave behind.

05:52 — Reinventing the Biodegradable Diaper
Personal experiences with pregnancy and parenting strengthened the founder’s determination to create safer materials for sensitive products. ZymoChem is working toward biodegradable, plant-based diapers that perform well without wrapping babies in conventional plastic.

07:44 — Discovering Biotech Opportunities
The conversation explores the transition from scientific research to building a commercial business. The founder discusses combining organic chemistry, business knowledge, and the Bay Area’s entrepreneurial ecosystem to identify opportunities for biotechnology to reshape everyday products.

12:26 — Advancing Eco-Friendly Diaper Innovation
Bayse could provide the hygiene industry with its long-sought plant-based superabsorbent material. Testing demonstrated strong performance, leak protection, and consumer purchase intent—showing that sustainable products must meet manufacturers’ expectations for performance, scale, and cost.

14:03 — Building a High-Functioning Team
As ZymoChem evolved, the founder’s focus expanded from scientific breakthroughs to people and company culture. The conversation highlights why team chemistry matters when scaling and why hiring exceptional people is essential to solving difficult scientific and commercial challenges.

19:15 — Building a Supportive Network
Founders cannot complete a long and uncertain journey alone. The founder discusses the importance of intentionally building a supportive village of employees, family members, investors, and collaborators who believe in the mission.