911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ

This National Women’s Enterprise Day, we’re celebrating the women turning bold ideas into impact.

Meet Dr Chiara Board, Dr Apanpreet Kaur, Krisztina Kovacs-Schreiner and Professor Camille Petit.

Dr Chiara Board, CEO & Founder of @P.Happi

Chiara is a Department of Chemical Engineering PhD graduate now entrepreneur, whose personal experience with women’s health challenges inspired her to create change through science and innovation.

What began as a personal struggle has become a mission to empower women with better, more sustainable self-care options for their health. Dr Chiara Board CEO & Founder of @ P.Happi

Her journey began with frustration — a recurring cycle of UTIs and the lack of innovation in women’s health.  As Chiara states: “I was tired of the endless round of antibiotics, and I didn’t want to take them, but there were no other options — something I, my friends, and my family all experienced. At some point, I realised I couldn’t blame others for not doing something about it if I wasn’t willing to try to change the situation myself.”

Encouraged by her mother to always question and fight for what she believes in, she found the courage to act. “Coming straight out of my PhD helped. I had the patience and self-motivation to take on a challenging ‘project’ and develop something entirely new — like commercialising Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus. What began as a personal struggle has become a mission to empower women with better, more sustainable self-care options for their health.”

Persistence is everything. You will hear a lot of ‘no’s’. Dr Chiara Board CEO & Founder of @ P.Happi

That mission hasn’t been without challenges. As Chiara says, “Persistence is everything. You will hear a lot of ‘no’s’ — sometimes for reasons that have nothing to do with the quality of your work. But if you truly believe in what you’re building, you have to keep pushing, challenging the status quo, and create the change yourself.”

She admits that no one succeeds alone. “You need a strong, supportive network — emotionally, financially, personally. I’m incredibly grateful for the people who believed in me and helped along the way. And as a new mother, I’ve learned how balancing ambition and family adds another layer of complexity for women — but also more motivation to succeed.”

Chiara’s advice for other women looking to turn their ideas into impact is simple but powerful: “Just do it. There’s nothing to lose except pride — and you’ll learn so much on the way. As women, we often have unique insights into what’s missing in women’s health. We make up half the population and often make health decisions for our families, yet there’s still so much to innovate.”

Don’t do it for the title or glamour, because there isn’t much of that. Do it because you truly want to make a difference. Dr Chiara Board Co-founder, AlphaVectors Biotech 

On the realities of entrepreneurship, Chiara candidly states: “It’s not an easy or secure path — it can be lonely and emotionally tough — but if you care deeply about solving a real problem, it’s worth every moment. Don’t do it for the title or glamour, because there isn’t much of that. Do it because you truly want to make a difference. The reward comes when you see your work genuinely improving other women’s lives. And, most importantly, we (women) need to support each other more.”

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Dr Apanpreet Kaur, Co-founder, AlphaVectors Biotech 

Dr Apanpreet Kaur is co-founder of AlphaVectors Biotech (AVB) and researcher in 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ’s Department of Chemical Engineering, whose work bridges scientific discovery and real-world impact.

Apanpreet’s journey into enterprise grew from what she describes as “a mix of frustration and fascination.”

During her academic career, she worked on RNA delivery systems and saw how ground-breaking research often remained confined to papers or laboratories.

As Apanpreet states: “There was a recurring pattern. Incredible science would stop short of becoming real-world solutions because no one had taken that extra step to connect it with market needs, regulatory pathways, or scalable manufacturing.”

I wanted to be part of the journey that takes an idea from concept to something tangible that can truly change lives. Dr Apanpreet Kaur Co-founder, AlphaVectors Biotech 

Determined to change that, Apanpreet was drawn to the intersection where science meets impact: “I wanted to be part of the journey that takes an idea from concept to something tangible that can truly change lives.”

That drive led her to co-found AVB which has developed nanoparticles that remain stable at room temperature—removing the need for cold-chain storage for RNA therapeutics and helping make RNA-based vaccines accessible to low-income regions.

For me, it’s proof that scientists shouldn’t have to choose between curiosity and impact. Dr Apanpreet Kaur Co-founder, AlphaVectors Biotech 

“What began as a research curiosity has become a technology platform with the potential to reach millions,” states Apanpreet. “For me, it’s proof that scientists shouldn’t have to choose between curiosity and impact. Building a company like AVB is an experiment in itself—one that demands creativity, resilience, and a willingness to challenge existing systems.”

Apanpreet’s experience has also shaped her approach to leadership. “Confidence doesn’t come from having all the answers, it comes from standing by your principles when the answers aren’t clear.”

You don’t need to be loud to lead—just consistent and purposeful. Dr Apanpreet Kaur Co-founder, AlphaVectors Biotech 

She believes in quiet conviction over noise, and the power of strong networks: “You don’t need to be loud to lead—just consistent and purposeful. Surround yourself with people who respect your ideas and values. Change never happens alone.”

Her message to other women in enterprise is simple: “Start before you feel ready. The perfect moment never comes. Your perspective and courage are what make innovation happen.”

Find out more about AlphaVectors Biotech (AVB). 

Krisztina Kovacs-Schreiner, CEO, Lixea

Krisztina is a leading innovator, and joined the Department of Chemical Engineering’s founding team of Professor Jason Hallet, Dr Florence Gschwend and Dr Agi Brandt-Talbot in 2020 and now plays a critical role in Lixea’s advancement.

I’ve always been drawn to the adventure and challenge of it all. Krisztina Kovacs-Schreiner CEO, Lixea

We spoke to Krisztina about what drives her passion for enterprise, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and her advice for others looking to turn bold ideas into real-world impact: “I’ve always been drawn to the adventure and challenge of it all. From the beginning, I sought out roles where I could explore new ideas and new ways of doing things. Facing the unknown can be daunting — and perhaps it takes a certain type of individual — but I’ve found that I thrive on the excitement of creating novel solutions. At the risk of sounding clichéd, it’s a big and exciting world out there – embrace it!”

Know what you want, know where you’re going, and you’ll get there. Krisztina Kovacs-Schreiner CEO, Lixea

Reflecting on her journey as a woman driving change in her field, she states: “Confidence is key. Know what you want, know where you’re going, and you’ll get there. You need to be focused and fearless. Leave prejudices and preconceptions behind, and appreciate passion, drive, and a genuine readiness to fight for something meaningful. Make friends and connections. Listen to what they have to say, but stay on track nonetheless. It’s a difficult balancing act.”

Self-doubt and self-sabotage are the enemies of entrepreneurship. Krisztina Kovacs-Schreiner CEO, Lixea

She also shared advice for others hoping to turn their ideas into impact: “Resilience and relentless drive are essential. Trust yourself, and don’t be afraid to revisit ideas, make changes, or reinvent. Self-doubt and self-sabotage are the enemies of entrepreneurship — and women, in particular, can be prone to this. Chances are, if you’ve made it this far, you already have what it takes.”

Signing off with some empowering words: “Go for it! Work hard, make a difference — but don’t forget to enjoy it all.”

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Professor Camille Petit, Co-founder, 2D Nano

Alongside Professors Omar Matar and Jason Stafford, Camille helped establish 2D Nano to commercialise cutting-edge research in advanced materials — and shared her reflections on what it takes to turn scientific discovery into real-world impact.

As is often the case, people are the real drivers! Professor Camille Petit Co-founder, 2D Nano

Camille states the idea of forming a company evolved gradually: “We considered for some time whether to create a spin-out route or to pursue the licensing route. It was Dr Andrius Patapas, 2D Nano Ltd’s CEO, who really convinced us to launch the spin-out. As is often the case, people are the real drivers!”

Reflecting on her journey as a woman leading change in a technical field, she emphasised the importance of confidence and self-awareness: “Any form of change raises doubt and scepticism, but also promise and excitement. Recognising this and being able to listen to others — and to oneself — to confidently take a deliberate choice and make these changes is key.”

There are several opportunities out there to grow one’s skillset in entrepreneurial activities. Professor Camille Petit Co-founder, 2D Nano

When asked what advice she would offer to other women looking to bring their ideas to life, her message was one of community and growth: “There are several opportunities out there to grow one’s skillset in entrepreneurial activities and get resources in the early stage of a project. It helps to proactively look out for these opportunities and learn from others who have been there before. Overall, it takes a village to launch and maintain these innovative projects. Embracing professional growth and collaboration is an essential part of the entrepreneurial path.”

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ChemEng Enterprise-a rich history, an exciting present, a bright future

This National Women’s Enterprise Day, we’re shining a spotlight on the women shaping the future of innovation and entrepreneurship. 

From pioneering founders of spinouts to researchers turning bold ideas into impact, our community of driven women continue to push boundaries and redefine what’s possible.

At ChemEng Enterprise, we’re proud of our rich history, inspired by our exciting present, and committed to a bright future — one where women’s leadership and creativity drive real-world change.

Find out more about ChemEng Enterprise.

Interested in participating in ChemEng Enterprise Day 2026?
Get in touch with Geetanjali Bathina.

Find out more about 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ Enterprise. 

National Women's Enterprise Day

National Women’s Enterprise Day is an initiative celebrated largely across Ireland to recognise and promote the achievements of women in business and innovation. While it’s not officially marked in the UK, its spirit of championing women entrepreneurs and leaders resonates far beyond national borders.