From research project to spin-off company

Why did you decide to study this programme?

My family has a long tradition of working with wood, so it was natural for me to orient myself in this field. After working in the industry for a few years, I realized that to truly understand and unlock the full potential of wood as a material, I needed to deepen my knowledge and skills. This motivated me to become a student again. Joining this program felt like a calling, as it allowed me to not only follow in my family's legacy of working with wood, but also to discover my roots and develop a true passion for sustainable materials.

What makes the Master Wood Technology unique?

Our program brings together a diverse group of international students, which creates a vibrant and dynamic environment both in and outside the classroom. As a leading institute for wood technology, BFH emphasizes sustainable practices and has allowed me to specialize in innovation management. The program also offers opportunities for students to work part-time as research assistants, which ensures hands-on experience and the opportunity to visualize the latest developments in the field.

You founded the start-up NaturLoop during your time at BFH. What is the business idea behind it?

Together with a former student, I was offered an opportunity to transform a research project into a spin-off company. This led to an exciting journey! At NaturLoop, we apply principles and methodologies of the wood sector to develop wood-like materials from underutilized resources. Our first product, Cocoboard,  converts coconut husks and a natural adhesive into a fiberboard suited for furniture and interior architecture.

What knowledge and skills from the Master's programme help you in your everyday work at NaturLoop?

The program has given me an overview of the entire wood industry and has allowed me to dive deep into a few topics that I am most interested in. This inspired me to focus my thesis on measuring the environmental performance of our product. The whole journey of starting and growing NaturLoop has felt synchronistic, and it has been incredibly rewarding to apply what I have learned in the master’s program to my everyday work.

In what ways did BFH support you in starting and developing your business?

BFH has provided us with invaluable support. The infrastructure and equipment have allowed us to efficiently test and improve our product, while the quality office space and collaboration opportunities with external colleagues provided a productive working environment. We have also been fortunate to be a part of the BFH network, which has facilitated valuable connections with partners and customers. By having these resources provided, our team has been able to stay focused on our primary goal of developing a high-quality, environmentally friendly product.

What's next for you after graduation?

After graduating, I am most excited to dedicate all of my focus to NaturLoop and help it thrive. We are close to launching Cocoboard to the European market and I am confident that if we succeed in this next step, the door to creating sustainable impact will be unlocked.