2011 Environment YES winners
The winners of the 2011 Environment Young Entrepreneurs Scheme competition were Christopher Applegate, Cansu Bayindirli, Luke Davis and Rachel Hipkin, all from University of East Anglia.
They formed an imaginary company called ReNerVention Ltd who have identified and purified the protein responsible for silicon capsules in diatoms. They have invented the technology to synthetically produce the protein in nanoscale and are able to use its heat absorbing property by producing 3D nanotubular matrices. With this technology they are able to harvest and recycle the wasted heat energy from electrical appliances.
The winning team from the University of East Anglia
Minister for Universities & Science David Willetts said "I would like to congratulate the winners of the Biotechnology and Environment YES competitions on their success. Scientists who are able to combine their expertise with an understanding of business are a very precious resource. By learning how to translate research into wider successes, they can help ensure their work delivers the maximum benefits to society and the economy.
"I am impressed that the participants are taking the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge at this early stage of their careers - it suggests a bright future for the commercialisation of UK research."