We are thrilled to launch our first annual pitch competition, Quantic Moonshot, where our Executive MBA students get to showcase their game-changing ideas and business innovations. Our judges have narrowed down the teams to five finalists, who will all be competing to win the grand-prize.  

One of the five finalist teams, Replica Biomaterials Ltd, is proposing to revolutionize fashion and environmental industries by creating a sustainable leather alternative. 

Replica Biomaterials Moonshot Business Pitch

The leather industry has a significant impact on the environment and animal welfare. It contributes to deforestation, water pollution, and toxic chemical waste, making it one of the major contributors to global warming. The production of leather hurts not only animals but also the workers who manufacture it.

Replica Biomaterials is creating a sustainable high-tech alternative that provides the same look, feel, and performance as real leather, without its carbon footprint. The company produces a leather-like material that is entirely animal-free and acquires color without undergoing tanning and dyeing. This biotechnology innovation significantly reduces carbon footprint, and our planet will be greener.

The primary use case for Replica Biomaterials’ product is for environmentally conscious consumers and animal lovers who are dissatisfied with products made from animal and petrochemical-based leather materials. It’s a guilt-free alternative for accessories, clothing, footwear, and automotive products.

The company’s product offers the same look, feel, and performance as real leather. With the increasing demand for sustainable and animal-free alternatives, Replica Biomaterials is well-positioned to succeed in the market.

Replica Biomaterials Founding Team

Ana Silva, PhD, Business Development Specialist at Imperial College London, United Kingdom

What inspired you to work on this business?

(AS) I wanted to leverage my biotechnology background to address specific challenges facing society, such as the need for more environmentally friendly products. With Replica Biomaterials, I wanted to create a new and innovative leather-like material that is more sustainable, and has the same look, feel and performance as real leather.

Additionally, starting a biotechnology company is an exciting and rewarding entrepreneurial endeavor. It offers the opportunity to develop cutting-edge technology and collaborate with other scientists and entrepreneurs to bring innovative products to market.

What has been the most valuable lesson you learned while working on this project?

(AS) The most valuable lesson was to learn how to think critically about my business idea and how to clarify my vision for Replica Biomaterials. This helped me evaluate the feasibility of my business idea, and to create a roadmap for decision-making.

What advice would you give to Quantic students currently working on their capstone projects?

(AS) Choose a topic that you are genuinely interested in and motivated to explore. This will help keep you engaged and focused throughout the project.

Be sure to stay tuned to our social channels for more #QuanticMoonshot updates, and tune in LIVE to the NYC finals on May 6th, where we will announce grand-prize and fan-favorite winners!