Broadening Horizons through Entrepreneurism

This innovative competition showcases the entrepreneurial potential of the University of Bath's postgraduate students as they pitch biotech solutions to address global environmental sustainability.

Adopting a 'Dragon’s Den'-style format, student teams deliver dynamic ten-minute presentations to a panel of expert assessors, using slides or demonstrations to support their proposals. The competition integrates insights from a comprehensive lecture series covering biotech entrepreneurism, team dynamics, risk mitigation, intellectual property, market strategies, and investor pitching.

FIRST PLACE: BACTEXTRACT

Project:

The team's Xtract System is a modular and scalable biomining system for the extraction of rare earth elements from hydrothermal waters. The Xtract system uses genetically modified E. coli to mineralise elements present at low concentration in waters pumped from the underground. 

The core of the product is a E. coli strain containing two plasmids. One plasmid contains genes relating to survival in the conditions present in hydrothermal waters and one plasmid contains a stable genetic switch designed to prevent escape of the modified bacteria by preventing their replication in the absence of the target mineral. The flagship of the Xtract System is Xtract C, which targets Cerium for mineralisation. However, due to the easily modifiable nature of E. coli this can be easily swapped for another mineral. The bacteria is grown in bioreactors in a central facility before being shipped to the mine site for deployment along with a kit containing multiple bioreactors and everything else needed to use the system.

Students:

  • Ry Fawssett - MSc Biotechnology with Entrepreneurship
  • Harry Punter -MSc Biotechnology (Healthcare Technologies)
  • Jack Chilcott - MSc Molecular Biosciences (Medical Biosciences)
  • Aaron Walsh - MSc Molecular Biosciences (Medical Biosciences)
  • Theon Gagan - MSc Molecular Biosciences (Microbiology)

Awarded: £1,700

SECOND PLACE: PUREBIOTIC

Project:

PureBiotic is a revolutionary eco-friendly cleaning innovation that’s redefining fabric care. Designed for modern, sustainable lifestyles, this patent-pending dual-chamber probiotic spray offers a unique, waterless solution that eliminates odours and stains while being gentle on fabrics and skin. 

Unlike traditional cleaning products, PureBiotic doesn’t rely on harsh chemicals or excessive water use, making it the perfect choice for those who care about their health and the environment.  At the heart of PureBiotic is cutting-edge probiotic technology, which actively breaks down odours and dirt at their source, leaving fabrics fresh for longer periods. 

Its formula is ideal for families, individuals with sensitive skin, and anyone seeking an effective, eco-conscious alternative to conventional cleaning products.  Compact, convenient, and sustainable, PureBiotic seamlessly fits into busy, eco-conscious lifestyles. 

Students:

  • Emily Conning - MSc Biotechnology (Healthcare Technologies)
  • Guillermo Comesana Cimadevila - MSc Molecular Biosciences (Bioinformatics)
  • Amelia Gascoigne - MSc Biotechnology (Healthcare Technologies)
  • Josephine Ilott - MSc Molecular Biosciences (Bioinformatics)

Awarded: £1,300

POSITIVE FEEDBACK

"This teaching unit had the goal of considering how advances in Biosciences could be used to address global challenges of environment sustainability. This EIBF competition provided students with a real-world outcome as a goal for their creativity, acquisition of knowledge, and teamwork skills that culminated in a startup business pitch to an external panel of experienced investors. The pitches were of sufficient calibre, that some of panel members showed interest in funding some of the ideas."

Randy Mrsny
Professor in Life Sciences
University of Bath