Two Bristol University graduates have each won a top 海角视频 innovation award for their work developing sustainable technologies. Dr Si芒n 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 海角视频 Women in Innovation Award of 拢75,000. They will also be offered training and networking opportunities as part of the prize.
Dr Fussell鈥檚 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 拢500,000 grant from Innovate 海角视频 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鈥檚 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: 鈥淭his 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.鈥
Emily Nott, head of equality, diversity and inclusion at Innovate 海角视频, added: 鈥淭his year鈥檚 winners have shown incredible leadership and creativity. We鈥檙e thrilled to support them in scaling their businesses and inspiring the next wave of women innovators.
鈥淭heir success stories will undoubtedly pave the way for more women to enter and thrive in the world of innovation.鈥
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