Smitha Rao

Research Associate
Lonza Personal Care

Smitha Rao is presently employed as a Global Manager, Biotechnology Innovation at Lonza Personal Care. Presently she is workingHer present focus is on developing novel, patentable, strategic biotechnology based products for personal care and OTC markets. She is the leading expert in the areas of bio-technology based active ingredients and has pioneered several award winning technologies for topical applications. Her work focuses on the adaptation of unique small-molecules from plants exhibiting key functionalities; and the enhancement of these molecules via bio-transformation through fermentation. Her researchSmitha has identified innovative bio-markers and unique pathways to combat ageing whichand have yielded new actives for skin care. She is presently involved in developing a business strategy to introduce cross-functional technologies such as peptides, mammalian tissues, and nutritional ingredients to the personal care and consumer products market.

Smitha has numerousmultiple patents based on novel actives for skin care. She is the author of over 20 technical papers, posters and has presented papers at in all cosmetic industry relevant events such as SCC, IFSCC, HBA and SID. She previously worked in the pharmaceutical industry at Alpharma Inc. and MicaGenix Inc. Her qualifications include an MBA from Farleigh Dickenson University; M.S. in Microbiology from Michigan Technological University and B.S. from Bangalore University, India.