Female Tech Founder Spotlight: Kresko RNAtech Wins Innovation Award

Tech founder Carla Maria Borini Etichetti is the visionary behind Kresko RNAtech, a trailblazing biotech startup reshaping the future of wellness. From the lab to global recognition, her journey reflects the passion and persistence it takes to bring cutting-edge science into everyday lives. Kresko RNAtech’s mission is to harness the power of dietary RNAs—naturally occurring molecules found in foods like milk and mushrooms—and use them to create functional, science-backed ingredients for nutrition, supplements, and skincare. In recognition of her work bridging science and entrepreneurship, Carla was recently honoured with the prestigious Women’s Innovation in Technology Award by the Global Female Entrepreneurs Summit. In this interview, she opens up about the highs, lows, and honest lessons of being a tech founder at the intersection of biology, innovation, and impact.
As a tech founder, can you tell us how the idea for Kresko RNAtech was born and what personally motivated you to start it?
The idea behind Kresko RNAtech was born from a mix of scientific curiosity, a deep sense of purpose, and a lifelong question that haunted me: How do we get knowledge out of the lab — and into society?
I spent over a decade in academic research, from my Biotechnology degree to a PhD and a postdoc. I published papers, led projects, and chased discoveries. But something always felt incomplete. Science is powerful — but if it stays locked in journals, it can’t help anyone. That’s when something extraordinary happened. My cofounder, Silvana Spinelli, made a discovery that changed everything: she found tiny bioactive RNA molecules in breast milk — nature’s most complete food — that influence health in powerful ways. Together with our cofounder Uciel Chorostecki, a bioinformatician, we confirmed their presence not only in milk, but also in superfoods, herbs, and mushrooms. These “dietary RNAs” revealed themselves as key bioactive compounds — with the potential to become a new class of functional ingredients for nutrition and wellness.
That discovery lit a fire in me. Not just because of its scientific potential, but because I saw an opportunity to do what I had always dreamed of: build a bridge between science and society. Becoming a tech founder wasn’t the plan, but it became my calling.
Starting Kresko meant stepping out of the safety of academia and into the stormy, uncertain world of entrepreneurship. I had no MBA, no business background, and no roadmap — just a vision: to turn knowledge into something real, something that could improve people’s lives. Through dietary RNAs, we’re not only unlocking the hidden language of food — we’re also proving that science can touch lives far beyond the lab.

Can you describe how Kresko RNAtech works, and what your service or product is?
Kresko RNAtech is a biotechnology company developing next-generation functional ingredients based on dietary RNAs — small RNA molecules naturally present in milk, superfoods, and medicinal plants, with measurable biological effects on human health.
Behind this is our proprietary platform, Serkanto, which integrates AI and cell biology to predict and validate RNA functionality. We stabilise RNAs through proprietary, solvent-free methods that preserve their bioactivity. Our process ensures the RNA remains functional and scalable for formulation. This allows us to continuously expand our library of ingredients, ensuring a pipeline of innovations based on robust science. We operate as a B2B product company: we supply validated RNA-based ingredients to brands in the supplements, functional food and beverage, and cosmetic industries. Our clients integrate our ingredients into their products to create novel formulations with specific, science-backed benefits — like improved sleep, gut health, energy, or skin regeneration. In addition to our portfolio of proprietary ingredients, we offer R&D services and custom ingredient development using our Serkanto platform. This allows companies to explore new bioactivities or target specific wellness needs using dietary RNAs, backed by our scientific and technological capabilities.
You don’t have to build alone
What was a major challenge you faced early on as a tech founder, and how did you handle it?
One of the biggest challenges we faced early on was shifting our mindset from scientists to entrepreneurs. We are three scientist cofounders — experts in RNA-technology, bioinformatics, and biotechnology — but building a company required an entirely different skill set.
At first, we focused on the science: the discovery, the validation, the potential. But we quickly realised that wasn’t enough. We had to understand what we were actually selling, to whom, and why they would care. We had to learn how to articulate our value proposition, raise capital and build a go-to-market strategy — all while continuing to do the science.
It was humbling. We had no business background, no experience pitching to investors, and no idea how to structure a deal or negotiate a term sheet. So, we did what scientists do best: we learned, experimented, and adapted. We joined top accelerators like IndieBio, GRIDX, MassChallenge, among others, surrounded ourselves with mentors, and asked every question — no matter how basic it felt.
Being a tech founder means growing into new versions of yourself constantly, and that growth is as much internal as it is external. Over time, we transformed from a research team into a company. We built a platform, closed investments, expanded internationally and secured partnerships. But most importantly, we learned to translate science into value, and that changed everything.


What was the most challenging technical problem you encountered while developing your RNA solutions, and how did you solve it?
One of the most challenging technical problems we faced was how to stabilise dietary RNAs without losing their bioactivity. RNAs are notoriously fragile molecules; they require cold storage, RNase-free environments, and precise handling. But to develop functional ingredients that could be integrated into real-world products — like supplements, beverages, or creams — we needed a solution that was stable, scalable, and didn’t rely on toxic solvents or additives.
We couldn’t just follow existing protocols. Instead, we had to create a novel stabilisation method from scratch, one that preserved the RNA’s function under real-world conditions. After months of iteration, we developed a proprietary, solvent-free process that keeps the RNAs are active and shelf-stable, even at room temperature.
This breakthrough allowed us to move from scientific proof-of-concept to market-ready ingredients. It was a pivotal moment: it proved that our RNA-based ingredients weren’t just scientifically interesting — they were technically viable, safe, and ready for formulation at scale.
As a tech founder in the life sciences space, how do you maintain motivation through long product cycles and strict regulations?
In life sciences, everything takes longer, and I knew that when we started. But for me, motivation doesn’t come from quick wins. It comes from knowing that what we’re building can truly change lives.
What keeps me going is our purpose. At Kresko, we’re not just developing another wellness product — we’re creating a new category of bioactive ingredients, grounded in rigorous science and with the potential to transform how we think about food, health, and prevention. That long-term vision is what fuels me, even when the path gets hard.
Of course, there are challenges: regulatory hurdles, complex validation processes, and long R&D cycles. But I’ve learned to see each of those steps as part of the value we’re building. If it were easy, it wouldn’t be innovation.
And there’s another factor: our team. I’m surrounded by cofounders and collaborators who are just as committed to this mission. We celebrate every milestone — no matter how small — and we’ve built a culture that embraces the long game.
Being a tech founder taught me persistence, and science taught me patience. And purpose — that unwavering sense of “why” — is what keeps me moving forward, one step at a time.
How challenging is it to secure funding for life science startups in Argentina? Could you share your personal experience?
Securing funding for Life Science startups in Argentina is incredibly challenging. The local venture capital ecosystem is still growing, and there’s limited risk appetite for deep tech or biotech ventures, especially those requiring long R&D timelines and regulatory pathways. Most investors prefer quicker returns, which often pushes early-stage science-based projects to seek support abroad.
In our case, GRIDX — a leading company builder from Argentina — played a key role from day one. They believed in our vision when we were still just a scientific idea and provided not only our first funding, but also the mindset, tools, and international exposure we needed. From the very beginning, they trained us to think globally and build a scalable, world-class company.
Later, being selected by IndieBio, a world-renowned accelerator based in San Francisco, was both a seal of validation and a powerful launchpad. It gave us credibility, intense business and scientific mentorship, and access to a global network of top-tier investors and partners. It opened doors that would have otherwise taken years to reach. Without the support of programs like IndieBio and GRIDX, being a tech founder in Argentina aiming for global impact would’ve been nearly impossible. Support ecosystems matter more than people realise.
As a tech founder working in a competitive field, how do you stay confident and grounded?
Staying confident in a complex and competitive field like biotech isn’t about always feeling sure of yourself — it’s about staying connected to your purpose. For me, that purpose is the belief that science can transform lives, and that our work at Kresko can open new paths for health and wellbeing through RNA-based innovation.
What helps me stay grounded is knowing that we’re solving real problems with solid science, and that every challenge we face — whether technical, regulatory, or financial — is part of building something meaningful. Surrounding myself with a brilliant, committed team also plays a huge role. We support each other, celebrate the small wins, and remind ourselves how far we’ve come.
And finally, I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty. In science and startups, there are always unknowns. But instead of letting that paralyse me, I try to see it as a space for discovery, and that mindset shift has made all the difference. That mindset shift changed everything for me as a tech founder.
What has been the most rewarding moment of your entrepreneurial journey so far?
One of the most rewarding moments of my entrepreneurial journey was when we finished analysing the results of our first study with volunteers using DormoRNA, our sleep-enhancing ingredient. I remember looking at the surveys filled out by volunteers — real people — and realizing that many of them were finally sleeping better, feeling calmer,
and improving their quality of life thanks to something we had created from science.

That moment hit me deeply. It was no longer just about molecules, lab work, or business plans — it was about impact. Seeing that what we built could genuinely help people reminded me why we started Kresko in the first place, and gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward, even through the hardest days. That kind of impact is the deepest reward I’ve known as a tech founder.
What lessons would you share with women wanting to become tech founders or start a business in technology?
The first lesson I would share is: you don’t have to wait to feel ready. In technology — especially in science-based fields — it’s easy to think you need one more degree, one more piece of data, or one more validation to move forward. But confidence often comes after taking the leap, not before.
Second, remember that vulnerability is not weakness. It’s okay to ask for help, to change direction, or to admit you don’t know something. In fact, that’s often where the biggest growth happens.
And finally, don’t underestimate the power of your story. The way you see the world, your background, your challenges — all of that is an asset. Technology needs diverse voices and visions. Don’t shrink yourself to fit a mould — expand the mould.
How do you see the future of personalized nutrition and health, and what role do you want Kresko RNAtech to play in that evolution?
I believe the future of personalised nutrition and health will move far beyond generic recommendations or isolated compounds. We’re entering an era where interventions will be deeply rooted in molecular biology, adapted to each individual’s unique physiology, lifestyle, and even microbiome. Nutrition will no longer be just about calories or vitamins — it will be about information, communication, and precision at the molecular level.
At Kresko RNAtech, we see dietary RNAs as the next frontier in this evolution. These molecules, naturally present in foods, have the potential to regulate key biological processes — from sleep to immunity — in a gentle yet powerful way. Our goal is to decode and harness these RNAs to develop bioactive ingredients that are not only effective but also natural, safe, and aligned with how the body actually works.
We want Kresko to be a pioneer in this new category — combining biotech, AI, and nutrition to create a platform of ingredients that can be personalised, targeted, and transformative. Ultimately, our vision is to help people not just manage symptoms, but truly restore balance.
Feeling inspired?
There’s so much more where that came from.
📖 Explore our online magazine—full of honest, empowering stories from women building bold, meaningful lives—just like you.
✨ Want deeper support? Try the free trial of our Membership and get access to expert-led courses, a caring community, and practical tools to help you grow with clarity and confidence.
🤝 Want to network and learn from experts and fellow founders? Join our upcoming events—masterclasses, workshops, and real conversations that fuel your journey.
📬 Not ready to dive in? That’s okay. Join our newsletter for real advice, encouragement, and resources—right when you need them.
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. We’re building this, together.
Related Articles
Communicate with Impact with Ulrike Seminati
As entrepreneurs, we put a lot of energy into communicating our products or services to reach our clients. Often it feels frustrating when you try many well-known strategies but nothing seems to work. The reason is that impactful communication does not happen just by applying the right words whether you are speaking or writing a text. Impactful communication is “produced” first of all inside of us.
Learn how to communicate with more impact with Ulrike Seminati.
Get More Clarity on Your Goals with Besan Dahboor Engel
Starting or growing a business goes hand in hand with setting the right direction for your business and knowing where you want to end up. That’s why setting goals is an essential part of being an entrepreneur. However, most entrepreneurs struggle with setting and achieving goals, especially because we often feel overwhelmed with an endless list of tasks to accomplish. While chasing our dreams, our vision often can get blurry because of the load of responsibilities and challenges we have to face on a daily basis.
How to Prevent Burnout And Take Care of Yourself As An Entrepreneur? Gitanjali More Explains
Unlock the secrets to preventing burnout and nurturing your well-being as an entrepreneur with exclusive insights from our online meeting with Gitanjali More. In this engaging event, Gitanjali, a renowned entrepreneur and wellness advocate, shares invaluable strategies to prioritize self-care while juggling the demands of running a business. Gain practical tips, personalized routines, and effective stress management techniques tailored specifically for entrepreneurs.
Build Wealth with Real Estate on Average Income with Nadja Raabe
Being an entrepreneur means choosing your own path through life and business and also for your future. Pension plans and a secure future are often not as easy to obtain as an entrepreneur. With the demographic change it is increasingly more difficult to make plans for one’s pension. Our expert Nadja Raab will show you how to gradually invest in real estate as a do-it-yourself-pension idea.
Marketing Automation for Your Business Growth with Sarah Seyr
This speech is about marketing automation and how to build an effective marketing strategy. The speaker highlights the importance of having a business case in place to justify the budget for buying traffic, as well as the need to continuously provide value to customers at each step of the sales funnel. The talk also emphasizes the need for human involvement in the marketing process, in order to effectively track and plan marketing activities.
Ethical Fashion and Sustainability with Valentina Soldera
Valentina Soldera, a social entrepreneur with five degrees and experience in the legal sector, is the co-founder of Utamu, a sustainable and ethical fashion brand. Soon to…
Responses