Fanya Ismail

SgMA Group

Dr Fanya Ismail is the Founder and CEO of SgMA Group, an award-winning advanced materials company replacing single-use plastics and toxic chemicals in packaging with sustainable silica-based solutions. A PhD chemist from the University of Manchester, Fanya scaled Solgelica® from a kitchen-table concept into a pioneering technology platform with over 100+ patent applications worldwide.

Supported early on by Innovate UK and Innovate UK Business Connect, Fanya successfully navigated the complex path from lab-scale research to IP protection and commercial application. Fanya has been recognised thought her receipt of the Innovate UK Women in Innovation award in 2019 and the MassChallenge Diamond award in 2020. Fanya’s journey provides her with an invaluable perspective upon the realities of scaling technology-based enterprise from the stage of securing initial validation and capital up to building networks, overcoming technical hurdles, and unlocking sustainable growth.

SgMA Group is an advanced materials organisation tackling global plastic and chemical pollution.
For decades, single-use paper packaging, such as disposable coffee cups or takeaway containers, required synthetic plastic coatings or toxic "forever chemicals" to prevent liquids and oils from leaking through. These hidden plastics make packaging challenging to recycle, leaving millions of tonnes of harmful waste in landfills and oceans.

SgMA created Solgelica®, a patented technology platform derived from natural silica sand extracts and natural materials. Solgelica® creates a complete liquid- and oil- barrier for paper packaging without using any synthetic polymers or toxic chemicals. The result is packaging that performs perfectly, protects human health, and disappears naturally, leaving paper 100% recyclable, biodegradable, and home-compostable.