Lauren Smith, AquaHacking ’17 alum, contributing to the fight against COVID-19

Lauren Smith, co-founder of PolyGone Technologies, and her co-founder Nicole Balliston, may not have access to their lab space on the University of Waterloo campus during the COVID-19 outbreak, but they are using their time and resources at home to contribute to fighting against COVID-19. Using their 3D printer at home, they have been printing face shields to donate to frontline workers.

“It feels really good that we are able to be part of a collaborative effort in Kitchener-Waterloo to support frontline workers at this time, and to also respond to individual requests,” said Lauren.

For more info about PolyGone Technology’s efforts to help with the COVID-19 situation by making face shields using their 3D printer, check out this Twitter and Facebook post.

PolyGone Technologies was established in the 2017 AquaHacking Challenge and has developed a methodology to identify and eliminate microplastics in beverages such as beer and bottled water. They are working on offering a Plastic-free certification to help inform consumers.