Transcend Matter

Join us as we chat to Shay Sethi, co-founder of Ambercycle, a company pioneering molecular regeneration technology to transform end-of-life textiles into new, high-performance fibres. Their signature material, cycora®, offers a sustainable alternative to virgin polyester and tackles the growing challenge of synthetic waste in fashion.

We explore Shay’s journey with co-founder Moby Ahmed — from their intense student days to building a company now partnering with global brands. Along the way, Shay shares the grit, determination, and purpose it takes to bring true material innovation to market. Perfect for anyone curious about circular fashion, recycled textiles, or the future of sustainable materials.

https://www.ambercycle.com/

Meet Chetna, a brilliant researcher pioneering sustainable textile dyeing through groundbreaking work with laccase enzymes. Her research offers a low-impact alternative to the environmentally damaging dye processes dominating our industry today.

We explore how enzyme-based dyeing replaces high temperatures, harsh chemicals, and toxic auxiliaries whilst achieving rich, bold colours that challenge everything we thought we knew about sustainable dyeing. From enzymatic alternatives to discharge printing to diverse colour work with wool and nylon, Chetna's passion for transformation shines through.

Perfect for anyone curious about sustainable textiles, whether from design, science, or business backgrounds. Chetna's energy and dedication make this conversation both educational and genuinely inspiring.

Chetna Prajaputhi Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chetna-prajapati-phd-fhea-9250b527a/

Contact email: 

[email protected] 

Join us as Edward Hill shares how Materra is revolutionising regenerative cotton production through innovative tech solutions that connect farming communities across India.

We dive into how regenerative agriculture actively restores our planet - rebuilding soil health, boosting biodiversity, and capturing carbon - while providing fashion brands with the data they need to meet sustainability goals.

Edward reveals why conventional cotton's environmental footprint (using 10-16% of global pesticides) urgently needs addressing, and how Materra's digital platform is transforming the industry by driving transparency and adoption.

This conversation brilliantly bridges material innovation with digital transformation, showcasing why tech platforms are essential for creating meaningful change in the textile industry.

https://www.materra.tech/

Meet Dr Laura Salisbury, the passionate founder behind KnitRegen, a medical technology company revolutionising stroke survivor rehabilitation.

Through sharing her journey of bringing innovative products to market, Laura opens up about the deep, personal connections she's forged with stroke survivors and how these profound interactions have driven her mission to create genuinely impactful rehabilitation solutions.

Her authentic approach to product development, putting survivor needs at the heart of every decision, demonstrates how vulnerable connections can spark meaningful innovation in healthcare. This conversation is a heartfelt dive into creating medical products that truly make a difference.

Meet Christophe, one of the co-founders behind NUVI, a biomaterials company redefining textile coatings with bio-based alternatives to traditional laminates and petroleum based products.

Christophe highlights the planet's current “Plastic Pandemic”, diving into why biobased innovation desperately needs big investments to combat microplastics and reduce our dependence on oil.

This episode is a heartfelt look at the ups and downs of running a family business, how their shared journey has strengthened their team, and the personal insights that have shaped their path to success. It’s inspiring, insightful, and full of love.

NUVI

Lucy Hope shares the challenges on kick starting her family’s innovation and business, a biobased antimicrobial product - Virustatic.

We dive into the urgent need to raise awareness about microplastics in our daily lives, especially the hidden presence of microplastics in period care products.

Lucy’s passion for driving change is infectious, as she leads the movement toward bio-based alternatives in the antimicrobial space. Her energy and dedication to making a difference make this conversation both inspiring and eye-opening.

In honor of Wool Month this October, we’re thrilled to welcome Rebecca Kelley from Woolmark! Woolmark is the ultimate platform championing the dynamic uses and versatility of wool, offering the textile industry transparent info on ethically sourcing merino wool.

We’re also giving a shoutout to the British Wool Association, who’s on a mission to boost the use of British wool by UK spinners and mills—helping brands source fabrics straight from UK growers.

Get ready for a cozy dive into wooly wisdom, as we explore the fiber’s brilliance and tackle some of the challenges wool is facing in the UK. Whether you’re a wool enthusiast or a curious designer looking to work with this incredible material, this episode is for you!

Woolmark

British Wool Association

Campaign for Wool

How do new material innovations make it to market? Discover the secrets behind commercial textile accelerators and the journey of upscaling sustainable materials to reach our wardrobes.

Barbara Leite, a lead material developer at the textile commercial accelerator RDD in Portugal, joins us to share her expertise. Having collaborated on commercial projects, her deep chemistry knowledge has been a source of inspiration and growth for my own work.

In this episode, we dive into the challenges of accelerating new and novel materials and dyes, uncovering the communication gaps between brands and their material partners. Tune in to explore the trials and triumphs of bringing sustainable innovations to the market!

This episode aims to inspire and educate emerging designers and current ones on their material journey.

www.rddtextiles.pt

Exploring how a more holistic approach to understanding and developing materials can create deeper, more meaningful connections with the world around us.

Hannah Elisabeth Jones is a researcher, educator, and multidisciplinary artist-designer specialising in bio-based materials and organic colour. Currently pursuing a PhD in design at Manchester Metropolitan University, Hannah's work is inspired by her deep connection with nature.

In this episode, Hannah unfolds her holistic approach to materials, sharing her journey through the discovery of various bio-based materials and their novel properties. We'll dive into her unique perspective on design and materials, inspired by her bond with the natural world.

We hope this episode inspires you to embrace an alternative approach to material understanding and fosters collaboration within the STEAM community.

www.hannahelisabethjones.co.uk

LinkedIn: Hannah Elisabeth Jones

Bridging engineering and design within material research, Catherine Mondoa, unfolds what the future of hybrid design and academic roles could look like.

Catherine Mondoa is a material researcher at Materials Connection in New York, where cross-industry expertise helps brands and partners find the right materials faster.

Join us as we explore the strong bond between Emma and Catherine, forged during their time at the Royal College of Art. Catherine shares her struggles in finding her place between academia and design, and navigating the chaos of graduating in a post-COVID world.

We hope this episode resonates with you, offering a sense of calm and connection in your own practice.

www.materialconnexion.com

LinkedIn: Catherine Mondoa