Sabrina Malpede, an Italian-born aeronautical engineer based in Edinburgh, is on the cusp of revolutionizing renewable energy with her groundbreaking startup, Act Blade. Her journey from a small village near Naples to the forefront of renewable energy technology is a testament to her determination and innovative spirit.
Raised in a village that didn't naturally steer her towards green energy entrepreneurship, Malpede's education emphasized classical subjects. However, a wise teacher urged her to consider math, physics, or engineering for broader career prospects. This advice propelled her towards a five-year aerospace engineering program at the University of Naples Federico II, where she stood out as one of the few women in her field.
After graduation, she entered Italy's automotive industry, a move she describes as "engineering luxury." Yet, the call for research beckoned. She secured a spot in a doctoral program at Glasgow University, a decision that would alter the course of her career.
During her time in Glasgow, Malpede's passion for sail design flourished alongside her aerospace studies. She embarked on an entrepreneurship course, collaborating with economics student Alessandro Rosiello to refine her business strategy. This dynamic partnership ultimately led to the founding of Smar Azure, a sail and rig design consultancy, which proved both successful and lucrative.
However, Malpede's ambitions extended beyond the sailing industry. She envisioned using her sail modeling technology for wind power in response to a visit with the British America's Cup sailing team. This vision materialized into a wind turbine blade prototype, developed in collaboration with the UK's Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult.
EIT InnoEnergy and Orienta Capital Partners backed the creation of Act Blade in 2015. The startup's mission is to create ultra-lightweight wind turbine blades based on her original sail design concept. Through rigorous testing, Act Blade demonstrated that its blades could generate substantial power, marking a significant milestone.
Malpede stands on the verge of commercializing her revolutionary wind turbine blade, poised to accelerate wind power capacity growth globally. Her journey underscores the potential of scientists partnering with larger institutions and firms to bring high-tech innovations to life. Her story is a testament to the power of determination, collaboration, and original thinking in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions.
As she looks forward to entering the market, Malpede reflects on the critical moment Act Blade is in, ready to reshape the renewable energy landscape. Her vision and dedication serve as an inspiration for aspiring innovators worldwide, highlighting the boundless possibilities that lie at the intersection of science and entrepreneurship.