Kavita Shukla was born in Kiel, Germany, but her life took root in the U.S. after her family relocated when she was still very young. Raised in Ellicott City, Howard County, Maryland, Kavita showed an early knack for innovation and an acute awareness of global challenges. Her curiosity and entrepreneurial mindset were evident even as a teenager. At the age of 12, while visiting her grandmother in India, Kavita had an experience that would later shape her entire career. She mistakenly drank tap water believed to be unsafe. Before she could fall ill, her grandmother quickly gave her a homemade herbal remedy. This "strange beverage" turned out to be infused with spices like fenugreek seeds, known in traditional Indian medicine for their antimicrobial properties. Fascinated by how something so simple could be so powerful, Kavita returned to the U.S. determined to understand the science behind it. Her early curiosity would eventually grow into a mission that would change lives worldwide.

Planting the Seeds of Innovation

What started as a simple science project in middle school soon became a game-changing invention. Kavita discovered that fenugreek could fight germs and used that idea to create special paper sheets that help keep fruits and vegetables fresh. The result was FreshPaper, a biodegradable, compostable sheet infused with botanical extracts that can be placed alongside produce to keep it fresher for longer without refrigeration, chemicals, or complex storage. 

By age 13, Kavita was not only exploring organic preservation but also venturing into laboratory safety. She invented and trademarked Smart Lid, a protective kit for lab flasks and tubes containing toxic chemicals. That early invention helped her earn four patents—a rare feat for a teenager. Despite her early accomplishments, education remained a non-negotiable priority. Kavita completed her schooling and went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard University, where she further trained her skills in innovation, leadership, and public service. Throughout her academic journey, Kavita never lost sight of her goal: using simple science and traditional knowledge to solve real-world problems.

Founding Fenugreen and FreshGlow Co.

In 2010, Kavita founded Fenugreen, which would later evolve into The FreshGlow Co., with a clear mission: reduce global food waste and improve health through sustainable innovations. FreshPaper, the company’s flagship product, quickly gained international attention. The sheets are now used in millions of households, food banks, and farms across the globe, providing a low-cost, accessible solution to a massive global problem. In fact, food spoilage accounts for about 25% of global food waste, a crisis that disproportionately affects developing nations and low-income communities. Kavita’s work empowers people at every level of the supply chain from farmers to families. 

Recognition and Legacy: A Voice for Global Change

Kavita Shukla’s groundbreaking work in sustainable food preservation has earned her widespread international acclaim and positioned her as a leading voice in the fight against global food waste. In 2013, she received the prestigious INDEX: Design to Improve Life Award, the world’s largest design prize, presented by the Crown Princess of Denmark. Her innovation and impact have also landed her on Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list in the Social Entrepreneurs category, and she was recognized by Fortune as one of the “World’s Greatest Leaders.” 

Time Magazine named her one of the “5 Most Innovative Women in Food,” while Newsweek included her in their “125 Women of Impact.” She has also been featured in Variety’s “Power of Women.” Beyond awards, Kavita was inducted into the National Gallery of America’s Young Inventors and was highlighted in the Smithsonian’s “Picturing Women Inventors” exhibition. Her influence extends across global platforms through TED Talks, media features in CNN, The New York Times, and The Economist, where she continues to inspire innovators and advocate for sustainable solutions to food waste. 

FreshGlow Today: Scaling a Mission, Not Just a Business

As CEO of The FreshGlow Co., Kavita continues to lead with empathy, science, and sustainability at the heart of her work. FreshPaper’s presence in major retailers like Whole Foods and Walmart and its partnerships with humanitarian organizations and food banks, underline the practical value of her innovation. As of early 2023, her estimated net worth is USD 25.5 million, yet Kavita remains focused on her mission rather than the money. Her innovation is not just about profit it’s about purpose. She continues to invest in research, community outreach, and education to further scale the fight against food waste.

One Woman’s Paper Revolution

Kavita Shukla’s journey from a curious teenager in Maryland to a globally celebrated inventor is an incredible example of how empathy, innovation, and science can create real-world solutions. Her work with FreshPaper has already impacted millions of lives and inspired countless others to believe that even small ideas can make a world of difference.