A University of Wolverhampton graduate has won more recognition for her sustainable business which produces bio-based, bio-degradable 3D printed products and filaments for the consumables market, mainly focusing on the medical sector.
Olivia Simpson, 21 from Bridgnorth, graduated in 2022 with a degree in Medical Science and Clinical Practice at the University of Wolverhampton and recently won the Verizon Business & Unloc Young Entrepreneurs Competition which received applications from across Europe – gaining a £10,000 boost for the business.
The Young Entrepreneurs Challenge is a European wide event which received over 1,100 applications and reached over 800,000 people on social media that seeks to find cutting edge young talent across Europe.
Whilst studying at the University, Olivia also won a £10,000 grant awarded by the University’s Chancellor, Lord Paul, for Entrepreneurship. She had started the business with help from different business accelerators provided by the University, to help her grow the business.
Olivia co-founded the business with Mattia Parati, 25 from Italy, who graduated in 2021 with a degree in Biotechnology from the University of Wolverhampton and is currently finishing his PhD. Mattia is the brains behind all the scientific research and development in the business and is passionate about sustainability.
She said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have won yet another award for the business – especially considering the competition.
“I went out on placement as part of my course and visited hospitals around the region. I realised quickly how much plastic waste there was in the medical sector and that only a small amount of waste was being recycled.
“As the medical sector will undoubtedly grow stronger, I realised that there was a gap in the market for bio-degradable products that don’t release harmful fumes when they have to be burned or that can be put into the ground and break down naturally without causing harm to the environment.
“I am pleased that the prize from Lord Swarj Paul contributed to funding our patent which has now been submitted. With the £10,000 from the young entrepreneur competition we plan to use the money for commercial pilots. In recent months we have been working closely with the university of Wolverhampton's ERDF Smart Concept Fund which has helped us run trials to optimise our formulation.”
Graduates are encouraged to keep in touch with the Alumni team and take advantage of a range of benefits and support on offer to them including a discount for Postgraduate study and opportunities to benefit from mentoring, volunteering and career advice.
