Can you provide a brief overview of your background and journey? What inspired the creation of your project or venture?
Our journey began with a shared vision of making a local impact with global reach potential. As a team, we have backgrounds in materials science, chemical engineering, and mechanical engineering, and thus we wanted to combine our experiences towards this goal. We always aimed to create something that addresses challenges related to environmental sustainability but could also help revitalise the local economy.
After several brainstorming sessions and a lot of research on current environmental and local challenges, we zeroed in on the potential of natural waste, and thus came up with the idea of a startup that would work on its valorisation. Thus NEEMA, Nature Enhanced Engineering Materials. And as you know, our first product currently under development is VELO, the vegan leather made out of prickly pear cactus trimmings. This inspiration stemmed from our desire to tackle common environmental issues while re-igniting the local manufacturing industry in Cyprus. By repurposing agricultural waste, we want to create sustainable and high-quality products.
How did you meet your team members, and how do your diverse backgrounds complement the project?
Our team came together through academic connections and shared work experiences. At this stage of our journey, as we try to reach the market, our team members work across multiple roles within the startup, prioritising the technical development of our product.
Our CEO, a materials scientist, focuses on characterization and testing while also bringing valuable project management and business development experience from previous roles. Our CTO, a chemical engineer, is responsible for formulation and process optimization and has a history of managing large projects. Our COO, a mechanical engineer, has significant experience in production process design and quality control, along with entrepreneurship experience.
This diverse expertise allows us to tackle both the scientific and commercial challenges of our project effectively. Each member’s unique skills and experiences enable us to approach the project comprehensively, ensuring that we address all aspects of development and implementation.
Why did you specifically choose to focus on the prickly pear for your project? How do you plan to acquire them in the future?
We chose to focus on the prickly pear cactus because it is an abundant, renewable resource that is locally available, and its cultivation creates agricultural waste. This aligns with our “act locally, think globally” mentality, as we aim to solve a local waste problem for farmers while creating a product with global market potential. The prickly pear leaves contain all the right components to develop leather-like materials. To acquire them, we have established partnerships with local farmers and agricultural cooperatives in Cyprus to ensure a steady and sustainable supply of raw materials for our production process.
What role does technology play at NEEMA?
Technology is at the core of NEEMA’s operations. Our innovative approach to producing the bio-based “vegan” leather involves advanced material science and biopolymer engineering. We rely on cutting-edge processing techniques to characterize the components of prickly pear cactus, ensuring our product meets high standards of durability, aesthetics, and sustainability. Analytical tools and environmental impact assessment software help us optimize our production process and minimize our carbon footprint. Technology also plays a crucial role in our quality control and product development, allowing us to continuously improve our offerings.
Many of our readers would be curious about this: is it safe to use and wear biowaste fabric? How do you make sure the birds won’t eat my clothes?
Yes, it is absolutely safe to use and wear biowaste fabric. Our leather is made from natural, non-toxic materials and undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets all safety standards. We prioritize using environmentally friendly additives and processing methods that do not pose any health risks. As for birds, we use natural protective coatings to ensure your clothes remain intact and stylish, even if you find yourself in the middle of a bird fashion show. Jokes aside, our material is designed to be durable and resistant to environmental factors. However, please note that our product is still in the development phase and not yet available on the market.
You were one of the winners of the UNDP YIF 2023 programme. How has this impacted NEEMA, how did the trainings, mentorship, and funds help accelerate your idea?
Winning the UNDP YIF 2023 program has had a significant impact on NEEMA. First of all, NEEMA Labs, as we are officially called now, wouldn’t exist without the UNDP YIF programme. The program provided us with valuable trainingand mentorship, helping us refine our business model, develop a go-to-market strategy, and expand our network. The funds we received were instrumental in establishing NEEMA Labs, which is housed at the premises of Social Tech Lab. This has accelerated our research and development efforts, allowing us to produce and test prototypes more efficiently. Furthermore, the exposure and network opportunities offered by the program have opened doors for potential collaborations and partnerships, enabling us to pursue our mission of bringing a 100% bio-based leather alternative to the market.
Follow NEEMA Lab’s Journey!
Stay updated on NEEMA Lab’s progress and exciting developments by visiting their website and connecting with them on social media:
- Website: neemalabs.com
- LinkedIn: NEEMA Labs
Get in Touch:
For inquiries, reach out at:
- Email: a.evangelou@neemalabs.com
We hope you enjoyed reading the Alumni Spotlight Series blog and feel inspired by the journeys of our alumni! Stay tuned for our next series, and see you soon!
