M51 Community Spotlight: Engineering a Sustainable Future – A Conversation with Rashmi Prakash from Aruna Revolution

The disposable hygiene industry is overdue for change. While menstrual and incontinence products are everyday essentials, their environmental impact is staggering. Billions of units end up in landfills each year, filled with plastic and synthetic materials that take centuries to break down. 

That’s exactly what Rashmi Prakash, founder and CEO of Aruna Revolution, set out to change. 

Aruna Revolution is dedicated to transforming the future of disposable hygiene through fiber innovation. The company creates high-performance, compostable menstrual products using plant-based fibers sourced through a circular, waste-free process. What began as a mission to improve menstrual health has evolved into a bold plan to revolutionize the $211 billion global hygiene market. 

A Journey Rooted in Science and Sustainability 

Born with a curiosity for how things work, Rashmi’s career began in biomedical engineering, where she worked on health-focused innovations. But as she dug deeper into sustainability and consumer health, she saw a glaring problem: the hygiene industry was lagging far behind in sustainable solutions. 

“The inspiration came from a deep frustration with the lack of access and dignity that so many menstruators still face,” she explains. “At the same time, existing products contribute to massive waste and toxicity. I wanted to prove that innovation could be ethical, circular, and inclusive from day one.” 

Instead of following the traditional route of launching a sustainable product line, Rashmi set out to build something bigger: a new materials platform. Aruna Revolution develops proprietary compostable fibers that can be used across the hygiene industry, from menstrual products to medical textiles. 

“We’re not just making a better pad, we’re making a pad that makes the industry better,” she says. Rather than improving on an existing product, she is changing the entire supply chain—ensuring that everything from raw materials to disposal is part of a circular economy. 

Scaling Fast and Making a National Impact 

The past year has been transformative for Aruna Revolution. The company has launched both B2B and direct-to-consumer sales, secured deals with Nova Scotia Health, and built a waitlist of over 1,000 eager customers. But one milestone stands out among the rest—Aruna Revolution is set to appear on Dragon’s Den. 

For any Canadian entrepreneur, Dragon’s Den is a game-changer. The opportunity to pitch in front of some of Canada’s most influential investors is not only a chance to secure funding but also a massive platform for national exposure. Rashmi sees it as a pivotal moment for Aruna Revolution. 

“Being on Dragon’s Den is a huge milestone. It’s not just about investment—it’s about showing Canada that sustainable hygiene is possible and that it’s time for a change,” she says. 

Lessons for Entrepreneurs: Rashmi’s Advice on Growth and Resilience 

As an entrepreneur who has navigated fundraising, business growth, and breaking into an entrenched industry, Rashmi has learned a lot along the way. Her biggest lesson? Build your network early. 

“Build your community early. Don’t wait until you have the perfect pitch before you ask for help.” 

She credits her support system—including founder networks and accelerators—for helping her stay grounded. Having people who challenge and champion you makes all the difference when growing a business. 

Whether it’s mentors, investors, customers, or fellow founders, strong relationships open doors. Even if someone can’t invest or buy a product today, they might make an introduction that changes a business tomorrow. 

She also emphasizes the importance of stamina over confidence. 

“It’s not all about being the most charismatic person in the room. It’s about stamina, clarity, and the ability to adapt quickly,” she says. “You’ll spend more time solving problems than celebrating wins, and that’s okay. It’s part of the process if you shift your perspective on challenges.” 

The Future of Sustainable Hygiene 

With momentum building, Aruna Revolution is preparing for major expansion. Retail distribution is on the horizon, along with new product lines that will extend beyond menstrual products into incontinence care and medical textiles. Rashmi is also exploring white-label partnerships with global hygiene brands, ensuring that Aruna’s compostable fibers can reach as many consumers as possible. 

She sees institutional partnerships—with schools, workplaces, and hospitals—as a critical next step. With government regulations beginning to push for sustainable alternatives, she believes Aruna Revolution is perfectly positioned to become the go-to solution in the hygiene industry. 

The hygiene sector is changing due to new sustainability regulations and consumer demand for transparency. Companies that anticipate these changes—rather than react to them—will have the strongest long-term advantage. 

Looking Ahead 

Rashmi Prakash isn’t just creating a better menstrual product—she’s building an entirely new category of sustainable materials. Her journey from biomedical research to startup founder highlights the importance of rethinking traditional industries, leveraging visibility for credibility, and building strong networks early. 

And the best advice she’s ever received? 

“Don’t let other people’s limitations define your ceiling. So often, the world projects fears and insecurities onto you, and it’s such a disservice to yourself if you believe it. It’s something I return to often—especially when building something the world hasn’t seen yet.”