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Meet the Founder

Pioneering tRNA therapeutics for rare genetic diseases

Dr. Nikhil Bharti

Dr. Nikhil Bharti, Ph.D.

Founder, KritRNA

Postdoctoral molecular biologist specializing in translation control, tRNA biology, and ribosome dynamics. Published in Nature and Nature Communications.

Founder's Statement

At KritRNA, our journey begins with a simple yet profound belief: that every life, no matter how rare its challenges, deserves the chance to heal.

India is home to over 70 million people affected by rare diseases, individuals and families who often stand at the margins of medicine, unseen by global systems of innovation. Our mission is to change that narrative. Rooted in India's tradition of compassion (karuna) and collective responsibility (sangathan), we are building the scientific and technological foundation for affordable, accessible, and ethical therapies for rare genetic disorders.

KritRNA was founded on the conviction that the tools of modern biology RNA engineering, molecular design, and AI can serve humanity best when guided by empathy and equity. By developing suppressor tRNA based therapeutics tailored for the genetic landscape of Indian patients, we seek not only to correct premature stop codons but also to bridge the gap between discovery and dignity.

Our vision is to democratize rare disease therapy: to make India a global hub where innovation meets inclusion, where advanced molecular research translates into real treatment at a fraction of global costs, and where the next generation of scientists, clinicians, and entrepreneurs unite in service of a shared purpose to give hope where none existed.

Science is universal, but access is not. Through KritRNA, we aim to change that by ensuring that breakthroughs born from our labs echo the timeless Indian ideal of Sarve Santu Niramayah "May all beings be free from disease."

Key Publications

Engineered tRNAs suppress nonsense mutations in cells and in vivo

Nature2023

Translation velocity determines the efficacy of engineered suppressor tRNAs on pathogenic nonsense mutations

Nature Communications2024

Effect of mRNA/tRNA mutations on translation speed: Implications for human diseases

Journal of Biological Chemistry2023

Experience

PhD & Postdoctoral Researcher

University of Hamburg

2019 - 2025

Specialized in translation control, tRNA biology, and engineered suppressor tRNAs for nonsense mutation therapy

Co-Founder

Aerokrishi

2016 - 2018

Led aquaponics-based agriculture startup focused on urban farming solutions

Junior Scientist

IGIB, Delhi

2015 - 2016

Conducted chemical screening studies using zebrafish models for drug-induced liver injury research

Education

Dr. rer. nat. (Ph.D.)

University of Hamburg, Germany

Molecular Biology & Translation Control

Master's Degree

Vellore Institute of Technology

Biotechnology

Bachelor's Degree (Honours)

Hindu College, Delhi University

Botany