Ms. Didi Gan

N&E Innovations Pte Ltd. Singapore

Abstract Title: Potent and Sustainable Antimicrobial Upcycled from Food Waste

Biography: Didi Gan is the founder of N&E Innovations Pte Ltd, a sustainability-focused biotech company transforming food waste into Vikang99, a plant-based antimicrobial. A graduate of the University of Melbourne, she is also the Managing Director, overseeing R&D and business expansion. Under her leadership, the company has reduced carbon emissions by valorizing food waste and developed award-winning products like the C2Plus disinfectant and biodegradable food packaging. Her innovations earned the UNGC Sustainable Solutions Award in 2022 and Cartier Young Leader Award in 2024. Didi has successfully led multi-million-dollar projects and continues to drive eco-innovation across sectors such as agriculture, sanitation, and food safety.

Research Interest: N&E Innovations has developed a pioneering circular economy solution that transforms food waste into Vikang99, a plant-based antimicrobial agent created through a green-synthesis upcycling process. As a sustainable alternative to conventional antimicrobials like titanium dioxide, Vikang99 is non-toxic, does not induce antimicrobial resistance, and has been globally tested and certified for safety and efficacy. The technology is already integrated into multiple applications, including the Vi-Mask,a reusable, CE-certified medical-grade bamboo fiber mask and C2Plus, a low-carbon line of disinfectants and antimicrobial coatings. Vikang99 also powers biodegradable food packaging and food coatings that extends shelf life by up to 4X, directly addressing food spoilage and waste. Key features include 99.9% antibacterial efficacy, eco-friendliness with a low carbon footprint, and food-contact safety. The coatings are colourless, odourless, and non-toxic, providing a safer alternative to traditional carcinogenic materials often used in food packaging.Vikang99’s versatility allows seamless incorporation into medical textiles, wastewater treatment, agriculture, and public health applications, empowering businesses to enhance product performance while advancing sustainability. To date, the company has valorized 2 tons of food waste, resulting in a reduction of 5 tons of CO?-equivalent emissions. With a target of 10,000 tons valorized by 2030, N&E Innovations aims to drive a 25,000-ton CO?-equivalent reduction, supporting climate action and sustainable innovation through bio-based, circular technologies.