[My] background in a conservative household, where women are not encouraged to have a career and are encouraged to be housewives, fueled [my] desire to break barriers for women, against [my] family’s wishes. [My] scientific expertise sparked a passion for addressing the environmental and nutritional shortcomings of diseases in aquaculture.
Rishita Changede - Founder and CEO of TeOra Private Limited
2024 WE Empower UN SDG Challenge Finalist, Asia-Pacific Region
Founded by Dr. Rishita Changede, TeOra is driven by a dual mission: revolutionizing aquaculture and empowering communities. Growing up in coastal India, Dr. Changede witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of crop failures on farmers, often leading to financial ruin and tragic outcomes. Her upbringing in a conservative household, where women were traditionally discouraged from pursuing careers, fueled her determination to break these barriers and forge her own path.
TeOra’s Mission
TeOra is a pioneering company focused on transforming disease management in aquaculture. Dr. Changede has developed a modular bioinformatics and synthetic biology platform as CEO of TeOra. This innovative platform identifies and produces therapeutic solutions for fish and shrimp, particularly tropical species, addressing the environmental and nutritional shortcomings of diseases in aquaculture.
TeOra’s mission is to provide sustainable and scalable solutions for disease management, reducing both the loss of produce and the reliance on harmful chemicals, including antibiotics. By employing cutting-edge technologies in bioinformatics, synthetic biology, and human pharmaceuticals, TeOra aims to revolutionize the industry with oral delivery and scalable solutions for vaccination and antivirals.
The company’s flagship product, ShrimpGuard, combats White Spot Syndrome Virus, significantly increasing shrimp survival rates and reducing the need for antibiotics. This approach not only protects marine ecosystems but also promotes responsible production and consumption within the aquaculture supply chain.
Commitment to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
By focusing on preventative health and sustainable practices (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production) to increase food production (SDG 2: Zero Hunger), TeOra contributes to multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. TeOra’s holistic approach combines scientific innovation with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by farmers, particularly in low and middle-income countries contributing to SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
Beyond its technological advancements, TeOra is committed to social impact. The company actively trains and employs women leaders, fostering female economic independence and challenging traditional gender roles (SDG 5: Gender Equality). This commitment to women’s empowerment is integral to TeOra’s identity, aligning with the broader goals of sustainable development.
Dr. Changede’s vision and expertise are shaping a company that not only leads in scientific advancements but also fosters social change, while empowering women and supporting local communities along the way.
Imagine a world with sustainable aquaculture, where women lead the industry, and all communities have access to clean and affordable healthcare for their animals – this is a testament to science and a commitment to social good.
By Grace Reiter, WE Empower Intern