Innovative Period Products for Women and the Environment

Olivia Ahn was in the midst of her medical studies when she came across a poster for Imperial College’s WE Innovate competition, which focuses on nurturing future female entrepreneurs.

She secured the top award at the conclusion of the six-month program in 2017 and has since raised £18 million for her start-up concept—Fluus, a brand dedicated to sustainable period products. Her flushable period pads are set to launch in 150 Boots stores next week.

Ahn, 32, credits the Imperial College initiative for instilling her with the confidence to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams, and the £10,000 prize money played a crucial role. She later triumphed in the Mayor’s Entrepreneur Competition and acquired Innovate UK grants to support her research and development efforts. While she completed her medical training, she has not practiced since her brief time in Manchester in 2019.

Developing a biodegradable period product proved challenging, according to Ahn. “We consider ourselves a material technology company because we’ve not only altered the product but also transformed the entire manufacturing process and supply chain. We’ve pioneered the world’s first cold-glue manufacturing technique, enabling us to produce items that are completely microplastic-free and fully biodegradable, resulting in zero landfill waste,” she stated.

Ahn emphasized that her experience in the WE Innovate program was essential during her early entrepreneurial journey. “I had no prior experience in business, and it was an incredibly supportive competition. It’s not just because I happened to win; the ongoing support we’ve received has been remarkable. Even now, I know I can contact the team for guidance whenever I need it.”

She is also advocating for the expansion of the WE Innovate initiative, which was announced this week to include four additional universities: Queen’s University Belfast, Swansea University, Glasgow University, and Durham University.

The five participating institutions will implement programs designed to assist 150 female-led teams, modeled after the format of the Imperial College program, featuring masterclasses, business coaching, and peer mentoring. The top five businesses will have the chance to compete for a portion of a £30,000 prize fund.

Complementing the regional initiatives, the universities have created the WE Network to facilitate connections among female entrepreneurs, start-up teams, investors, and industry professionals throughout the UK.

Mary Ryan, Vice-Provost for Research and Enterprise at Imperial, remarked, “Our experience with WE Innovate demonstrates how focused support can propel the growth of women-led ventures, enhancing confidence, capabilities, and the ability to convert ideas into tangible impact. Thus, we are excited to launch this national network.”

Ryan added, “By partnering with prestigious universities across the UK, we are broadening access to vital support structures—such as mentoring, funding, and peer networks—that have been proven to foster early-stage innovation.”

Dame Alison Rose, the former CEO of NatWest and a proponent of female entrepreneurship, is also endorsing this initiative. She commented, “The substantial contributions that female entrepreneurs can make to the UK economy, as demonstrated in the Rose review, highlight the immense potential of female entrepreneurship.

“Offering appropriate support and access to networks and financing throughout their journey can unleash and accelerate progress. The WE Innovate initiative exemplifies the cooperation and assistance crucial for fostering successful entrepreneurs.”