Fishing at Derby for big ideas
Matt with two of his BiOrbs.
Graduate Matt Stevenson, who studied on our BSc (Hons) Product Design Innovation and Marketing course, recently returned back to University to get current students thinking of innovative ideas.
He said: "I had great memories of the University as it was here where my first fishbowl idea developed. I have always kept fish but it was for my degree project that I decided to look at how to try to improve traditional designs."
Once he graduated he decided to follow the potential of his product and try to set up in business. He set up in his parent's attic at their home in Norwich but convinced a handful of investors enough to invest in his project.
Today, his BiOrb is not only selling well in the UK and employs 35 people, but he has set up a company called Reef One Inc in America which will sell to major pet store outlets in the States.
And his BiOrb, an eyecatching round bowl is so stylish it has featured on numerous TV programmes. As well as the second series of Big Brother, it has also been on Blue Peter and the film Bend It Like Beckham. Celebrities such as Paris Hilton have also bought a BiOrb.
But Matt is an astute businessman and says: "I do not rest on my laurels. At present my product is in a niche market and there is only so much market opportunity out there. I want to see if there is a way of pumping the water out of tanks without manually having to do it.
"I have set Derby's Product Design students the challenge and there was plenty of excitement and interest as I made my presentation to them. I look forward to seeing some of their final designs. If someone comes up with ideas which are worth taking further I will definitely take it forward with them."
Matt also recently met Sir Richard Branson here at the University of Derby - read more...
