INNOVATION & ENTERPRISE
Calling all innovators, problem solvers, and visionaries
The world needs you and Heriot-Watt University can support you to succeed.
Professor Gabriela Medero Associate Principal for Enterprise
Professor Gabriela Medero, Associate Principal for Enterprise, believes we are all capable of innovative thinking—a crucial attribute for tackling some of the greatest challenges facing modern society, from fighting climate change and caring for an ageing population, to harnessing the potential of emerging technologies such as AI and robotics.
As co-founder of her own successful spin-out company, Kenoteq, and inventor of an award-winning recycled brick, Gabriela brings her own business acumen and startup experience to her role, which sees her actively mentoring emerging entrepreneurs and helping to drive new and innovative entrepreneurial initiatives across Heriot-Watt University's global campuses.
“I believe that everyone can develop an ‘entrepreneurial mindset’. It is all about seeing the world a little differently, making unexpected connections, spotting gaps in the market, and channelling creativity to bring bold ideas to life,” she explains. Now, her mission is to unlock this mindset for the Heriot-Watt community be that current students, graduates, alumni or partners, whatever their career ambitions for the future may be.
“I want to emphasise that it is possible to translate groundbreaking ideas into tangible solutions that address real-world challenges,” Gabriela comments. “I attribute part of my success to support from Heriot-Watt and its forward-thinking approach that provides fertile ground for innovation.”
I believe that everyone can develop an entrepreneurial mindset.”
Professor Gabriela Medero
Gabriela addresses a Heriot-Watt Female Founders networking event.
A demonstration installation of the K-briq at COP28 in Dubai.
Heriot-Watt’s approach enables researchers like me to explore ideas.”
Professor Gabriela Medero
Gabriela’s passion for sustainability and engineering was ignited early on in her career, but she explains that it was becoming pregnant that inspired her desire to make a positive difference for the future: “I spent years researching building materials and was getting increasingly concerned by how the construction industry exploited raw materials without considering the impact and how it was amongst the largest contributors to global carbon emissions.”
In response, she began an entrepreneurial journey to develop a revolutionary new construction material. “Heriot-Watt’s approach enables researchers like me to explore ideas,” she explains. “Developing this idea to produce a brick made from 90% recycled construction and demolition waste was incredibly ambitious: we sought to develop a product that could change the long-established approach to brick manufacture, to work with waste in order to minimise environmental impact, and to create a circular economy approach so we could remove the need for exploiting natural resources entirely.”
Gabriela’s innovative approach led to the creation of the award-winning K-BRIQ®, an ultra-low carbon sustainable building material which is now certified for use in the UK and the USA. “For many entrepreneurs, the journey is one of excitement, growth and discovery, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Developing the K-BRIQ® had its ups and downs; building your resilience in the face of these and remaining focused on the long-term goal will help you through,” Gabriela explains.
Find out more about how Heriot-Watt can support your entrepreneurial journey. We have an incredible support network available at Heriot-Watt through our GRID ecosystem.
Read on to learn Gabriela's key lessons for any entrepreneurial journey
Embrace failure as a way to go forward
“It's very important to learn how to fail and to not see it as a negative outcome, but rather as part of your learning. Each failure gives you impetus for reflection, builds resilience, deepens your learning and challenges you to think differently, all of which will get you closer to your journey’s destination. If you can embrace failure you can keep moving forward without letting disappointment get in the way.”
Find excitement in learning new skills
Entrepreneurs wear many hats, especially in the early stages of building a business. From accounting to marketing, the wide variety of tasks can feel overwhelming: “I always looked to relish the opportunity to learn new skills and step into unfamiliar zones,” Gabriela explains. “If you can stay curious and open to the breadth of the demands, you can develop a perspective where you become comfortable with being uncomfortable, and that helps you to manage the multiple responsibilities rather than feeling deflected by them.”
Let go of perfection
“Sometimes plates will drop—and that’s okay. It’s knowing how to prioritise that is key,” she advises. “You need to step back to look at the bigger picture and focus on what needs attention most at any given time, even if it means other areas slip temporarily.” That can be hard to do but is essential to preventing burn out. “It’s impossible to be everywhere at once, so learning to prioritise and letting go of perfection is vital.”
Build a support network
No entrepreneur can succeed in isolation. “I believe that entrepreneurs need more opportunities to connect with others, because the singularity of what you’re doing can bring isolation, so having people around you to share the challenges with can be incredibly important. Seek out others you can turn to, from formal mentors to allies with whom you can discuss ideas and be honest with about the personal stresses and strains.”
Accept the ups and downs of the journey
“I feel it’s essential to acknowledge that there will be many difficult moments and embracing the overall journey is what will keep your entrepreneurial spirit alive. Many days will be challenging, but the trick is to find the joy in the challenges. It is unlikely to be a smooth journey, but it will be a thrilling and rewarding one.”
