Vishaal Bhuyan

WE ARE HIRING for a Sr. Bioinformatician and Sr. Protein Engineer

Vishaal B. Bhuyan is the Founder and CEO of Aanika Biosciences, Inc., a biotechnology company established in 2018 that focuses on enhancing food safety through innovative biotechnologies and insurance solutions. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Aanika Biosciences aims to mitigate risks in the food supply chain by developing technologies that trace agricultural products and combat harmful pathogens.1 2

Background and Experience

Before founding Aanika, Bhuyan accumulated over a decade of experience in the finance sector, particularly as a portfolio manager at various hedge funds. He worked at Verition Fund Management LLC and Nariman Point, LLC, where he managed significant investment portfolios.1 2 His expertise extends to trading esoteric derivatives, and he has co-authored three books on financial derivatives and their applications in addressing global issues such as overfishing and water scarcity.2 3

Education

Bhuyan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Sociology of Science from the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 2005.1 His early career included a position at one of the largest commodity trading firms on the New York Mercantile Exchange.2

Innovations at Aanika Biosciences

Under his leadership, Aanika has developed a unique product known as bio-barcodes, which are edible tags that can be applied to crops to enhance traceability and safety. These barcodes are designed to withstand various environmental conditions and are integrated with insurance products to provide growers with financial protection against food recalls and contamination incidents.3 4 The company has raised nearly $20 million from notable investors and is expanding its offerings in the agricultural sector.3

Vision

Bhuyan's vision for Aanika is to bridge the gap between biotechnology and traditional insurance, making it easier for farmers to adopt innovative solutions without bearing excessive risk. This approach not only incentivizes the use of biotechnology but also aims to improve overall food safety standards across the industry.2 3