INSIGHTS / News

SETsquared Bath member, The BioFactory, took to the stage at this year’s Pitch@Palace on Tour in Surrey.

The BioFactory has designed an all-in-one latrine and waste processing plant that utilises bio digestion to convert human waste into cooking fuel and soil conditioner. This concept was well received by the judging panel and founder Eoin’s winning pitch fast-tracked the company to the next round.

Founded by the Duke of York in 2014, Pitch@Palace provides a platform to amplify and accelerate the work of entrepreneurs. The process gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to meet the people who can help make their business ideas become a reality.

Alongside their recent success at Pitch@Palace, invited by Innovate UK and DFID, The BioFactory represented British start-ups on an Energy Catalyst Mission to Kenya. This signified a huge networking opportunity with representatives of the energy sector allowing Eoin to learn about the needs on the continent and how The BioFactory offers solutions to fit into this landscape. Since returning Eoin is now in the process of planning a mid-stage project application for the Energy Catalyst Round 7 with partners UWE and Practical Action.

Eoin Sharkey comments: “Since returning from Kenya, I’m now in the process of planning a mid-stage project application for the Energy Catalyst Round 7 with partners UWE, Bristol Link to Beira, and ADEL Sofala.”

The BioFactory also took part in SETsquared’s Graduate Acceleration Showcase in June this year, which gave the company a platform to pitch to 100+ plus investors and experienced business mentors.