Neeka and Leila Mashouf grew up near the majestic old-growth redwoods and the rugged coasts of Northern California, where their love for the science behind nature first took root. Their early fascination with the intricate systems of the natural world ignited a passion for scientific inquiry. By age 15, both sisters began their scientific research careers at leading research institutes—Neeka in materials science and sustainability, and Leila in bioengineering for human health.

At the same time, the twin sisters grew up immersed in the artistic world of fashion through their family’s work. They spent summers learning from merchants, designers, production experts, and manufacturers, magnetized by the beauty of fashion then later devastated by the environmental impact.

Their unique background inspired them to use science and invention to take action across the manufacturing industry and fight the destruction of our clean air, water, climate, arable land, and biodiverse ecosystems. They started Rubi in 2021 after inventing and prototyping the technology in a public biohacking lab, leveraging their deep scientific expertise to pioneer what they call the next era of manufacturing: The Symbiotic Era.