Three inspiring female entrepreneurs - Andrea Siller from Mexico, Yolla Miranda from Indonesia and Irene Fahim from Egypt - are innovating in the fields of disease detection, plastic pollution and air pollution.
We interviewed them to find out more about their innovations, experience of LIF and their tips for fellow female entrepreneurs.
Can you tell us about your innovation?
Andrea: Urine samples can diagnose a wide range of chronic and infectious diseases but obtaining samples from patients with disabilities can be difficult for them and their caregivers. Current solutions are either invasive, such as catheters or pubic punctures, which are responsible for 40% of urinary tract infections, or ineffective, such as urine bags, which are 300% more costly and time-intensive.
My product, RECOPAD, is a much simpler, quicker way of diagnosing disease. It is integrated with incontinence garments, and extracts the urine into a syringe, protected by a unidirectional membrane that ensures patient safety and hygiene.
RECOPAD has been demonstrated to be an effective, comfortable and non-invasive tool for diagnosing dependent patients. By eliminating the need for constant monitoring, it saves time for caregivers and medical professionals alike.
Irene: Plastic pollution is a global issue. In 2016, over 320 million tons of plastic was produced worldwide – a figure set to double by 2034. In many developing countries, such as Egypt, the move towards sustainable alternatives is rarely considered due to the high cost of implementing such policies.
My team and I developed Coflastic, a low-cost biodegradable plastic made from agricultural and food waste. It maintains the same properties as its synthetic counterpart – durable, flexible, and hygienic – and can be used for craft products, food packaging, and homeware. Plastic waste is often dumped in landfills, where it takes up valuable space and can cause serious damage to the environment and our health.
Coflastic will not only minimise risk to the environment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and soil contamination, but also help improve the general health of the population.
Yolla: Globally, Indonesia has the third highest rate of pollution and the second highest rate of tuberculosis, an airborne disease. Combined with the COVID-19 crisis, the national demand for face masks is immense. The LIF programme has helped me adapt the resources and expertise of my company, Sainsgo Karya, to manufacture face masks that will help people breathe easier and live longer.
Our industry-leading MASKITs have activated carbon fibre filters with a nano-silver coating. The activated carbon side absorbs pollutants, including particulate matter and volatile organic compounds, while the silver nanoparticles act as antibacterial and antiviral agents. They are used by doctors and nurses fighting on the frontlines of the pandemic in over ten hospitals, as well as being available to commuters, contractors and patients. With current manufacturing at 100,000 masks per month, we are rolling them out in Indonesia and will expand across Asia.
Can you tell us more about what inspired you?
Andrea: While working at a public hospital, I saw how patients with heart attacks couldn’t be treated because they couldn’t afford a stent, a tiny mesh-like device that unclogs arteries. I couldn’t believe that. It inspired me to develop simple and accessible medical technology solutions that improve people’s health.
Irene: Plastic waste not only impacts the environment and surrounding wildlife, but also the lives of people who live in less fortunate situations. The average Egyptian consumer is not very aware of the impact their consumer habits may have on those around them, and I want to be part of the change in making the world a more sustainable place for all.
Yolla: Tackling Indonesia’s problems with air quality will take a long time. I realised I could help protect people from airborne diseases and lung damage.
How did LIF impact you and your business?
Andrea: LIF gave me a better understanding of my company’s value proposition and taught me how to commercialise our innovative product. After the programme, I immediately shared all that I had learned with the team. It has turned me into a better manager and communicator.
Irene: LIF was instrumental in helping my project reach new heights. I worked closely with my mentor, engaging with plastics manufacturers and conducting market analysis, to fully understand the plastics supply chain in Egypt and find potential investors.
Yolla: Resilience was one of the training topics. Exactly one week later, the first COVID-19 case arose in my country. Many suppliers closed, unable to meet the higher demand for face masks. I adapted my business model to be able to meet that demand and help my country. That resilience is not something I would have had without the LIF programme.
Tuesday 23 June was INWED2020 (International Women in Engineering Day). What tips do you have for your fellow female engineers?
Andrea: In Mexico when you graduate, they place your favourite quote right below your (not very cool) picture in the yearbook. Mine reads:“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary, is that little extra.”
That is my number one tip for you. Whatever you do, always pull that little extra you have inside, always come back from that failed experiment to the next; take the“I don’t think your idea will work”all the way to“new tech is changing the world”.
Irene: Trust your gut when making big career changes, even if that means stepping outside of your comfort zone; it will pay off in big ways. Seek every opportunity to expand your skills and own something new and high impact.
Yolla: There's no difference between female and male in terms of gaining knowledge or even being an entrepreneur. Before I started my business, I worked in a consumer goods company as production engineer; I fixed the packing line and storage tank and got promoted to team leader. Now, I am running a business in the manufacturing sector where most of my team are female. I believe every woman can do anything with no barriers. We just need to use our passion and skill to push our dreams.
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