Elizabeth Gilligan

Elizabeth Gilligan is the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Material Evolution, a company focused on developing sustainable alternatives to traditional cement, significantly reducing carbon emissions associated with concrete production. She has held the CEO position since January 2020, leading the company from its inception in her parents' garage to a recognized player in the construction materials sector, particularly in the development of low-carbon cement using advanced technologies and industrial waste.135

Education and Early Career

Gilligan completed her Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Plymouth in 2014, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Architecture from Queen's University Belfast in 2020. Her doctoral research focused on sustainable cements, which laid the groundwork for her entrepreneurial venture. Prior to founding Material Evolution, she worked in various roles at Queen's University Belfast and as a Materials Researcher at Foster + Partners, where she gained extensive experience in materials design and application.245

Achievements and Vision

Under her leadership, Material Evolution has developed a product that reduces carbon emissions by up to 85% compared to traditional Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). The company employs machine learning algorithms to ensure the consistency and quality of its materials, which are primarily derived from industrial waste.35 Gilligan's vision is to decarbonize the foundation industries, which include metals, ceramics, glass, chemicals, paper, and cement, contributing to global sustainability efforts.45

Gilligan has been recognized in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for her impactful work in the field, highlighting her role as a leader in innovation and sustainability in construction materials.16