Arpit Mangal

About Arpit Mangal

As a sustainability-driven engineer and entrepreneur, I’ve dedicated my career to integrating nature-based innovations with advanced technology to create products that positively impact both people and the planet. At uBreathe, I served as the Lead of Product & Innovation, where I spearheaded the end-to-end development of air purification solutions tailored for urban and indoor environments Now, I’m channeling that same passion and experience into my role as Founder & CEO of mico, a startup focused on developing high-quality, sustainable alternatives to traditional leather using mycelium. At mico, we are pioneering a new class of biomaterials that are biodegradable, durable, and ethically produced, offering industries a tangible solution to the environmental impact of animal- and plastic-based leathers. My mission is to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and consumer products, building a future where sustainability is not a luxury but a standard. With a background in Mechatronics Engineering, hands-on expertise in CAD, FEA tools, and agile product development, I thrive at the intersection of hardware, biology, and impact-driven design. I’m always seeking opportunities to collaborate, learn, and innovate in the sustainability and biotech space.

Experience

1. Founder & CEO

   Mico

   Feb 2025 — Present · Rupnagar, IN

   At mico, we’re growing the future of fashion—literally.We use mycelium, the root system of fungi, to create sustainable, cruelty-free, and biodegradable alternatives to leather. Our materials are grown, not manufactured—offering high-performance, planet-positive options for fashion, footwear, and beyond.By blending biotechnology with design, we aim to reduce environmental harm and challenge the norms of how things are made and worn. Every mico material is a step toward a circular economy—where waste becomes growth and fashion doesn\'t cost the Earth.Currently, we\'re prototyping our first range of products in collaboration with conscious designers and early adopters. On a mission to make sustainability a standard—not a statement.

Education

• Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology

  Bachelor of Engineering - BE, Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering

  2018 — 2022