Róisín Hyde

Róisín Hyde is a chartered architect and material scientist leading NoMAD, a company that uses robotics to 3D print sustainable modular concrete components from waste materials. With 15 years’ experience as a Project Architect and a PhD in material science, her journey from architecture to sustainable innovation stems from a deep commitment to revolutionising construction practices.

Concrete is the most widely used resource globally, accounting for one-third of all raw material consumption and generating the second highest amount of CO2 after fossil fuels. NoMAD tackles this issue using cutting-edge 3D printing to produce high-performance modular concrete components from local by-products and waste materials. This approach transforms construction waste into resilient, aesthetically pleasing infrastructure while drastically cutting carbon emissions.

“The use of advanced digital technologies in Parametric Design, Material Characterisation, Digital Fabrication and AI to decarbonise construction and build a beautiful, sustainable and resilient built environment where future generations can thrive,” says Róisín of their mission.

Her achievements include being awarded a Fulbright Scholarship, the Digital Construction Live Most Innovative Product award, and a Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellowship. She was also nominated for the prestigious Earthshot Prize in 2024.

Of her Women in Innovation Award, Roisin says: “I am proud of receiving such a competitive award and focused on showcasing our technology and the skills of the five exceptional women on our all-female project team.” Through the programme, she will create a modular ‘Bee Bank’ installation at Kew Gardens – demonstrating how sustainable infrastructure can balance society and nature.

“Less than 3% of UK private equity is invested in women-led companies,” Róisín reflects. “I have bypassed this, focusing instead on merit-based grants and awards where gender is irrelevant to grow a company with the power to revolutionise the construction industry.”

Her advice to aspiring women innovators? “Whatever challenges each day brings, no matter how bleak things may look” never give up.

For more information on Women in Innovation

Find out more about the Women in Innovation Award and other support available across the Innovate UK ecosystem on the Women in Innovation programme page.