Two Bristol University graduates have each won a top UK innovation award for their work developing sustainable technologies. Dr Siân Fussell and Dr Alicja Dzieciol and both studied for Chemistry PhDs before going on to set up their own separate companies.
The entrepreneurs beat off competition from more than 1,400 people to each win an Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award of £75,000. They will also be offered training and networking opportunities as part of the prize.
Dr Fussell’s business Albotherm, which was established with fellow University of Bristol graduate Molly Allington, creates materials that turn from transparent to reflective-white as temperatures rise, allowing buildings like greenhouses to cool naturally.
The Bristol-based company has already received a separate £500,000 grant from Innovate UK to develop its technology.
Dr Fussell said: “Winning this award is not just a personal milestone but also a recognition of the hard work and vision of our entire team at Albotherm. This funding will enable us to take a critical step forward in our journey to creating environmentally responsible products, and it’s an exciting opportunity to contribute even more to building a sustainable future.”
Meanwhile, Dr Dzieciol’s Scotland-based firm SilviBio is engineering environmentally friendly alternatives to peat for growing crops, trees and flowers. Peat, which soaks up carbon and reduces flood risks, is set to be banned for all growers by 2030.
SilviBio Ltd, based near Edinburgh, uses local raw materials to create its sustainable peat-like product LatticeGro.
Dr Dzieciol said: “This award is a real gamechanger for my business and the growers we support in their peat-free transition. It will help us ensure that LatticeGro and our other products will get into the hands of growers who need it. Together we can achieve a truly sustainable future while ensuring we grow food for our plates and trees for our forests.”
Emily Nott, head of equality, diversity and inclusion at Innovate UK, added: “This year’s winners have shown incredible leadership and creativity. We’re thrilled to support them in scaling their businesses and inspiring the next wave of women innovators.
“Their success stories will undoubtedly pave the way for more women to enter and thrive in the world of innovation.”
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