Team One Biotech Tackles Pollution with Microbes

In the fight against India's escalating environmental crises, one Mumbai-based startup is rewriting the script. While traditional solutions lean heavily on chemicals and machines, Team One Biotech is placing its faith and science in microbes. The company is spearheading a biology-first movement to clean up wastewater, restore polluted lakes, and reimagine sanitation through indigenous, sustainable, and scalable solutions.

From the Ground Up: A Mission Born of Experience 

Founded in 2021 by Tejas Gathani, Team One Biotech emerged from nearly three decades of on-ground bioremediation expertise. Gathani’s journey through Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities exposed a gap that chemical-heavy solutions couldn’t bridge: a dire need for accessible, eco-friendly, and effective biological treatment.

His vision was clear: empower communities with indigenous microbial products that not only work but work sustainably.

"This isn’t just business—it’s about leaving cleaner lakes, safer toilets, and a legacy of nature-based innovation," says Gathani.

What’s in a Name? Everything 

Team One Biotech is rooted in its mantra: “One Earth. One Solution. One Team.” This unity reflects a broader mission to tackle pollution with science-backed, biology-driven answers. Operating from Mumbai, the team blends microbiology with environmental engineering, always letting nature take the lead.

Science at the Core: Microbial Magic

At the heart of Team One Biotech’s innovation is its proprietary blend of microbial consortia, strains like Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Nitrosomonas, and Rhodococcus, paired with hydrolytic enzymes. This cocktail breaks down complex pollutants into non-toxic byproducts, functioning effectively across diverse environments.

What sets them apart isn’t just science, it’s strategy. “We solve problems, not push products,” Gathani emphasises. Whether it's faecal sludge in Rajasthan or textile effluents in Gujarat, solutions are tailored, tested, and tracked.

Market & Model: Turning Impact into Opportunity 

India’s wastewater and sanitation sector, valued at over USD 15 billion, presents a significant opportunity. With only 40% of sewage treated nationwide, the demand for decentralised, biological treatment is surging. Team One Biotech taps into this gap with a multifaceted business model—product sales, turnkey projects, white-label partnerships, and export-driven growth.

Their approach varies by segment: pilot-first partnerships for municipalities, performance-linked services for industries, and distributor alliances for international markets. The glue binding these strategies? Results and relentless support.

Despite being bootstrapped, the startup is revenue-positive and reinvests strategically into R&D, compliance, and capacity. Their facility is ISO, GMP, and Kosher certified, and their data-backed innovations, like AI-based water quality tools and D2C enzyme cleaners, are poised for scale.

Achievements and Recognition 

Team One Biotech has completed over 50 projects, treating thousands of MLDs (Megaliters per Day) of wastewater and resolving faecal sludge issues across Rajasthan and Maharashtra. They have revived polluted lakes and nalas and implemented solutions in over 50 cities.

The startup has been recognised as one of the Top 100 Startups in Maharashtra, won the Amazon Seller Award 2024, and received appreciation from the Government of Maharashtra under Tech Wari 2025. Their solutions are studied and validated by reputed institutions such as NABL, IITR Lucknow, Haffkine Institute, and Annamalai University. They have also begun exporting to over 12 countries

Challenges on the Path to Change 

Progress hasn’t been linear. From battling misinformation to educating sceptical municipal departments, the journey has required persistence and proof. “People are wary of snake-oil biologicals. Only real impact can rebuild trust,” says Gathani.

Looking Ahead: Growth, Innovation, Legacy 

The road ahead is expansive. Short-term plans include entering 25 new cities through pilot programs. Long-term, Team One Biotech envisions becoming India’s leading name in microbiological environmental solutions, while extending its reach into Europe, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and beyond.

New product launches like bio-toilet tablets, biogas enhancers, and enzyme-based home cleaners signal their commitment to grassroots impact and global relevance.