Sri Hollema

Sri Hollema is the founder of North East-based Mat Zero Heat Limited, which is developing safe, portable, and sustainable heating solutions for displaced communities and disaster relief efforts. Growing up across Nepal, Bangladesh, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Italy, she witnessed firsthand the daily challenges faced by vulnerable communities with limited access to reliable energy and heating.

Each year, millions face harsh winter conditions without adequate heating, often forced to choose between eating or staying warm. Current solutions are frequently hazardous, producing toxic fumes and causing fires. Mat Zero’s innovative heated mat for sitting and sleeping provides safe warmth using sustainable technology, addressing critical gaps in humanitarian heating needs.

“Mat Zero’s mission is to innovate, make and deliver safe and sustainable heating for people who need it, empowering communities around the globe through clean and sustainable technology. Leaving No One Behind,” says Sri.

Her achievements include winning the Energy Catalyst Award and recognition from The Conduit’s Young Innovators Award. She has also reached the semi-finals of Santander X UK 2024 and the finals of the AidEx Innovate Challenge in Geneva.

“I’m incredibly overwhelmed and honoured to be a Women in Innovation Award winner,” says Sri. “As a young entrepreneur, this provides crucial credibility when dealing with stakeholders.” Through the programme, she aims to enhance Mat Zero’s heater design for diverse humanitarian environments, focusing on efficiency, durability and adaptability. She also aims to inspire others by highlighting the potential of mission-driven innovation.

“The biggest barrier has been working in male-dominated environments where technological innovations from young, female-founded companies are often met with skepticism,” Sri reflects. “I’ve learned to meet every challenge with confidence, grounded in our mission.”

Her advice to aspiring innovators? “Back yourself and just go for it! Your vision, combined with hard work and resilience, is the most powerful tool.”

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.