Two University of Bristol graduates-turned-entrepreneurs have won major awards for their groundbreaking sustainable technologies.
Dr Alicja Dzieciol and Dr Siân Fussell, who both studied for Chemistry PhDs at the university and are now using their expertise to improve the world, have been recognised with Innovate UK Women in Innovation awards. 
Innovate UK, the country’s national innovation agency, selected the pair from more than 1,400 nominees. The prestigious awards include £75,000 funding as well as training and networking opportunities.
Dr Fussell’s Bristol-based business Albotherm, which she launched with fellow University of Bristol graduate Molly Allington, creates advanced 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% higher crop yields. 
Two years ago, it was awarded a £500,000 Innovate UK Grant to work with global glass group Pilkington, watercress and salads producer Vitacress and Flavourfresh, a leading British commercial glasshouse grower.
Dr Fussell, pictured above, 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.”
Dr Dzieciol’s firm SilviBio is engineering environmentally friendly alternatives to peat for growing crops, trees and flowers.
While peat, which soaks up carbon and reduces flood risks, is set to be banned for all growers by 2030, without alternative soils, their costs could rise significantly.
SilviBio, which is based near Edinburgh, uses local raw materials to create its sustainable peat-like product LatticeGro. 
Dr Dzieciol, pictured, 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.”
Innovate UK head of equality, diversity and inclusion Emily Nott 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.”
