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Elizabeth Gilligan

CEO at Material Evolution, Forbes 30 under 30

Elizabeth Gilligan is the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Material Evolution, a company focused on developing sustainable alternatives to traditional cement, significantly reducing carbon emissions associated with concrete production. She has held the CEO position since January 2020, leading the company from its inception in her parents' garage to a recognized player in the construction materials sector, particularly in the development of low-carbon cement using advanced technologies and industrial waste.135

Education and Early Career

Gilligan completed her Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Plymouth in 2014, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Architecture from Queen's University Belfast in 2020. Her doctoral research focused on sustainable cements, which laid the groundwork for her entrepreneurial venture. Prior to founding Material Evolution, she worked in various roles at Queen's University Belfast and as a Materials Researcher at Foster + Partners, where she gained extensive experience in materials design and application.245

Achievements and Vision

Under her leadership, Material Evolution has developed a product that reduces carbon emissions by up to 85% compared to traditional Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). The company employs machine learning algorithms to ensure the consistency and quality of its materials, which are primarily derived from industrial waste.35 Gilligan's vision is to decarbonize the foundation industries, which include metals, ceramics, glass, chemicals, paper, and cement, contributing to global sustainability efforts.45

Gilligan has been recognized in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for her impactful work in the field, highlighting her role as a leader in innovation and sustainability in construction materials.16

Highlights

Jul 29 · linkedin

We are looking for someone to help us finance the solutions to the climate crisis.

Come join us at Mevo to help solve one of the world’s largest carbon emitters.

Jun 25 · linkedin

Cannot think of a better way to kick start the Innovation Camp with Bloomberg Philanthropies than by walking around the Kew Gardens and spending a great evening with Breakthrough Energy . What a great place to share ideas for the greener future of our planet.

#LCAW2024 #MEvo #EarthshotPrize

Related Questions

What inspired Elizabeth Gilligan to start Material Evolution?
How did her experience at Foster + Partners influence her career path?
What are some of the high-profile projects Elizabeth worked on at Foster + Partners?
How did her R&D Fellowship at Google & Xl Construction shape her leadership style?
What challenges has Elizabeth faced as the CEO of Material Evolution?
Elizabeth Gilligan
Elizabeth Gilligan, photo 1
Elizabeth Gilligan, photo 2
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Experience

Chief Executive Officer at Material Evolution (January 2020 - Present)
R&D Fellowship at Google & Xl construction (July 2019 - December 2019); Thesis co-supervisor - Environmental Engineering at Queen's University Belfast (February 2019 - September 2019); Thesis co-super at Foster + Partners (June 2015 - October 2016)

Education

PhD in Architecture from Queen's University Belfast (2016 - 2020); Postgraduate Certificate in Design Thinking from Queen's University Belfast (2016 - 2018); Postgraduate Certificate in Innovation fro

Location

London, England, United Kingdom