A Bristol start-up which has developed an on-the-go cleaning case for reusable menstrual cups has won a share of £75,000 from the University of Bristol.
Cup2 (pronounced Cup Squared) is the invention of graduates Kira Goode and Monica Wai, who surveyed thousands of women to find out what deterred them from using the sustainable period product.
The duo discovered there were concerns about changing in public toilets and cleaning the cup at home, especially in shared houses, so they came up with the idea of a portable sterilising and cleaning case.
The pair will use the £11,500 cash injection to fund their current patent application, and are looking to launch their design to the public in the coming months.
The plan, they said, is to bring Cup2 to market in June 2023, following consumer testing this year. The duo hope to donate a Cup2 for every one they sell.
Ms Wai, who studied for an Integrated Master’s in management with innovation at Bristol, said: “It feels crazy to have won. It really makes the hard work worth it and it’s so exciting to be closer to our launch target. Ultimately, our mission is to help and improve the lives of menstruators.
“We hope that by creating this product and building a community we can work towards reducing some of the taboo surrounding periods. We also want to help the environment by reducing the use of single-use plastics.”
Ms Goode and Ms Wai believe those using a menstrual cup and a cleaner could save £564 over five years - and use 96.6% less single-use plastic (from disposable menstrual products) over 10 years.
“It’s amazing to win this funding, which is going to make a real difference to what we’re doing," said Ms Goode, who studied for an Integrated Master’s in electrical and electronic engineering with innovation. "The only competitor currently on the market only fits very specific cups. Ours will cater for every size and shape. Cup2 will have a big impact on people’s lives, and on the environment too.”
Other winners of University of Bristol start-up funding for 2022 include:
- Route Zero, a carbon calculator that shows the cost, duration and environmental impact of different transport options for a given journey. Founder Albie Baker-Smith won £10,000 and a one-year membership to SETsquared Bristol, the University of Bristol’s tech incubator.
- Big Sister Swap, a clothes-swapping service that allows users to refresh their wardrobes sustainably. Founder Hudi Charin won £7,000.
- Milbotix, whose smart socks alert carers to signs of distress caused by pain, anxiety or frustration, and could be used by 1.5 million people living in the UK with dementia, an autism spectrum disorder or a learning disability. Founder Zeke Steet won £20,000 and pro-bono legal support from law firm VWV.
- Eleat, a company producing a tasty, healthy cereal that is high in protein, high in fibre, low in sugar, vegan-friendly and gluten free. Founders Hywel Rose and Hugh Hamilton-Green won £10,000.
Michele Barbour, associate pro vice-chancellor for enterprise and innovation at the University of Bristol, added: “We were once again bowled over by the range of genuinely new and interesting business ideas sent to us by our students, staff and alumni.
“It’s hugely positive to see that many of the prospective businesses had a conscious aim to improve people’s lives and solve real world problems."
Last year, two students building the UK’s first female urinal won University of Bristol start-up funding. PEEQUAL’s urinals have since become a common sight at UK festivals, including Glastonbury.
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