Evangeline Muyano
Age: 21
Education: Graduate, Shiley School of Engineering, University of Portland
Company: rePLA, pronounced replay
What the company does: Developed an algae-based biodegradable plastic to be used for rapid prototyping with 3D-printing. Now exploring using the bioplastic for a more generalized use
Founded: 2021, with Melissa Tran
Accelerators, incubators or competitions: Visionary award, InventOR; Second place, UP's Venture Challenge
Outside funding: Competition winnings, including $2,500 from InventOR
Why did you decide to build this startup at this time? We noticed the 3D printing industry has the potential to play a major role in our future, but we also discovered that the plastic used isn't very environmentally friendly. Our goal is to take locally-sourced algae and turn it into a biodegradable product that redefines what plastic is and could be in our everyday lives.
Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur? I never imagined that I would be an entrepreneur as a mechanical engineering major. Working on rePLA was a fun way to learn more about business and innovation. Going down this path has opened new doors for me and has me excited to see what more I can accomplish.
Have felt any specific challenges around your work because you are still so young and early in your career? I never was exposed to learning about business so when the accounting and business reports came up, I felt so useless as the resident engineer. However, my partners and mentors definitely helped me to understand and complete a few tasks.
Are there any founders or business people you look up to or want to emulate? Tori Dunlap is a University of Portland alum who has a super successful business called herfirst100K. She has enough money to retire at 26 and found success in a field that isn't related to her major while teaching and empowering especially women and minorities about finances. She's amazing.
Where do you go for advice or support? My innovation professor, Salvador Orara, has guided me to where I am today. He was the one who suggested I enter the Pilots' Venture Challenge and introduced me to Melissa, my co-founder. Sal showed continuous support for me both before, during and after our endeavor with rePLA and I couldn't be more grateful.
What are you most excited about for your future? I always knew I wanted my work to positively impact the environment and with rePLA I know we have the potential do that and so much more.
