As the co-founders of KiwiFibre, Ben Phillpotts-Scales and William Murrell (Ngāi Tahu) are pioneering sustainable innovation on the world stage by harnessing some homegrown goodness: our humble harakeke. By developing natural-fibre composite materials from harakeke – a native New Zealand fibre renowned for its strength and versatility – KiwiFibre’s revolutionary materials offer a solution which allows industry to overcome technical, environmental, and human health challenges associated with conventional fibreglass and carbon fibre.

After first dreaming up KiwiFibre during a group project at the University of Canterbury, Ben and William have seen quick success: raising over $5 million for their venture since inception in 2020, and remaining on track for further investment to drive growth. Their unique fibre has the potential for a diverse range of applications – from sports equipment to aerospace technology (and even the bumpers on New Zealand rally driver Hayden Paddon’s brand new electric rally car). Currently, KiwiFibre is the only company in the world using technology to turn harakeke into carbon fibre composite materials – and in 2024, earned a spot on the Forbes Asia 100 to Watch list.

Emma Lewisham is Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Emma Lewisham, a skincare company established in New Zealand in 2019. Renowned for delivering evidence-based skincare, uniting luxurious, high-performance, and natural formulations while leading the industry in sustainability, Emma Lewisham is available globally including in NZ, Australia, UK, Europe and USA.

Under Emma’s leadership, Emma Lewisham has become the world’s first climate-positive, circular designed beauty brand and introduced an industry-first circular beauty model, significantly reducing landfill waste and cutting 100 tonnes of carbon emissions to date. Emma’s dedication to transparency and environmental accountability has earned her recognition as both a beauty innovator and a champion of ethical business practices, including a personal endorsement from Dr. Jane Goodall.

With a background that includes postgraduate studies in physiology and biochemistry at Harvard University, Emma has relentlessly pushed the boundaries of skincare science. In the brand’s unique formulation physiology-first approach and world-leading independent testing, they’ve validated that their reversed approach to formulation design has delivered products that have shown an ability to outperform leading brands. Emma Lewisham’s belief in being a force for good has driven the brand to let physiology take the lead – a core principle that uses science to unlock the intelligence of nature to redefine what skincare can achieve. The brand’s global success and impact stand as a testament to Emma’s vision – inspiring consumers and companies to embrace sustainable innovation.