Dr Monica Saavedra
"Transparency enables efficiency. If it's bad news, give it to me raw, so we may resolve it well and quickly."
Graduation year
2014Monica is CEO of Lambda Agri.
Monica has degrees in Physics, Nanotechnology and a doctorate in Nanomaterials (National Physical Laboratory) from the University of Surrey. Over more than a decade in start-ups, Monica has built solar cells, batteries and DNA sequencers, characterising them with novel techniques. Monica’s focus on sustainability and the multidisciplinary mindset has led her to deliver on business development, commercial strategy, fundraising, and putting together a multi-award-winning company, bringing us a step closer to net zero. Monica solicits transparency and good communication practices.
Her achievements include multiple first-place awards including Tech Nation Rising Stars East Anglia, Greentech Europe, and the Royal Society of Chemistry Emerging Technologies Energy Category. Lambda Agri has secured numerous grants including the Energy Entrepreneurs Fund and Technology Accelerator Fund.
Monica has been awarded a Women in Innovation purple plaque for revolutionising greenhouse farming with light-manipulating technology. Her plaque will be permanently hosted at the University of Surrey from October 2025.
