• Swindon & Wiltshire Innovation
• Wednesday February 5 2025
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Scientists’ pioneering technologies win them Women in Innovation Awards

Two University of Bristol graduates have won Innovate UK Women in Innovation Awards for the sustainable technologies they developed.

Both Dr Alicja Dzieciol (left) and Dr Siân Fussell (right) studied for chemistry PhDs at the University of Bristol and are now using their expertise to improve the world.

Innovate UK, the UK’s national innovation agency, picked them from more than 1,400 nominees to receive £75,000, along with training and networking opportunities.

Dr Fussell’s business Albotherm creates materials that turn from transparent to reflective-white as temperatures rise, allowing buildings like greenhouses to cool naturally.

The technology can slash growers’ energy use and helps them achieve up to 34 per cent higher crop yields.

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.”

Based in Bristol, Albotherm was set-up by Dr Fussell and fellow University of Bristol graduate Molly Allington. In November 2024 it received a separate £500,000 grant from Innovate UK to develop its technology.

Meanwhile, Dr Dzieciol firm SilviBio Ltd 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.

Without alternative soils, costs could rise significantly for these growers. But 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 game-changer 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, said: “Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation Awards spotlight the UK’s most groundbreaking women entrepreneurs.

“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.”