Seven Questions with Marcel Fowler

He tells us about how studying at UCL facilitated a career change and what inspires him.

Why did you choose to study this subject and how has it informed your career path?

I chose to study Engineering with Innovation and Entrepreneurship because I wanted to start a business in the field of engineering. The degree has been critical to my career path providing the engineering and entrepreneurship knowledge that I needed to start my business, InfiGear. InfiGear is revolutionising mechanical power transmission by enabling the production of highly efficient, plastic and lightweight chains and transmissions for cycling, automotive, marine and conveying applications.

What was the most interesting thing you did, or got involved with while at UCL?

My final project (which was the start of my business, InfiGear), in which I first developed and tested the technology. The course allows you to self-propose your final project and this enabled me to have a lot of support from many departments within UCL, including UCL Innovation & Enterprise which really helped me hone my pitch and my business.

What do you miss most from your time at UCL?

The ability to make anything you want at The Institute of Making and the entrepreneurial spirit of UCL, where every week we could listen to world-class entrepreneurs. The quality of the teaching is also something that I miss; some of the lecturers are really inspiring and make you want to pursue their field of study and ask great questions.

What one piece of advice would you like to share with UCL students?

Take advantage of everything that UCL offers, your degree is only a part of what is on offer and the programs offered by Innovation & Enterprise and the Institute of Making will give you skills that you can apply in any area that you want to work.

If you were back at UCL for the day what one thing would you do?

I would spend most of the day at the Institute of Making and make something that really mattered to me or my family; like I would really like to make an electric powered cooling strap for my girlfriend's grandmother as she suffers from arthritis. The IoM can help you make anything! I would then go to one of the entrepreneurship guest lectures for inspiration on how to change the world for the better.

Who inspires you and why?

The person who inspires me is Elon Musk, who is not afraid of taking risks to solve the problems that the world faces. I believe the more people who take a chance and follow their passions, the better the world will be.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I used to teach secondary science in east London, but after a summer trip cycling, I came up with the idea of InfiGear and then undertook my Master's degree at UCL and totally changed my career. I still miss teaching but I'm a firm believer that you should have no regrets in life and this is why I made the change.