At the age of 23, scientist, inventor and sustainability advocate Fionn Ferreira has already got an inspiring accolade of achievements under his belt. Now he can add Team Principal of eSkootr Championship team Green Journey Racers to the list.
Aged 16, the Irish inventor developed a way to remove microplastics from the ocean using a magnet-based fluid, creating a brand-new approach that was both environmentally safe and cost effective. After winning the Google Science Fair in 2019, his passion has taken him around the world on multiple research expeditions to places like Greenland and Canada.
With Fionn at the helm of Green Journey Racers, eSC is delighted to welcome a true innovator in the field of sustainable tech and research to the series who will no doubt become a key advisor to the championship’s mission for cleaner, more liveable cities.
eSC: Welcome to eSC Fionn! You’re already a scientist, inventor, and sustainability advocate and now an eSC Team Principal…tell us a bit more about your background!
Fionn: Thank you! My journey began on the remote coast of Ireland where I grew up kayaking and noticing the increasing amount of plastic pollution on our shores. This sparked my interest in environmental science. At 16, I invented a method using ferrofluids to remove microplastics from water, which led to winning the Google Science Fair in 2019. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to developing sustainable technologies and advocating fora circular economy.
eSC: What inspired you to dedicate your life to these pursuits?
Fionn: Seeing the devastating impact of plastic pollution on marine life and the environment first hand was a major catalyst. Learning that we consume microplastics through our food and water, with potential health risks, made me realize the urgency of the problem. I felt compelled to act and contribute to solutions that could mitigate these impacts and promote sustainability.
eSC: What does your current research look like?
Fionn: My current research focuses on refining and scaling up my microplastic removal technology to make it more efficient and accessible. I’m also exploring new materials and methods to enhance the circular economy, such as biodegradable plastics and innovative recycling techniques. Additionally, I’m collaborating with various environmental organizations to implement these solutions globally.
eSC: What does success look like for you?
Fionn: Success for me means seeing tangible reductions in microplastic pollution in our oceans and waterways, wide spread adoption of circular economy principles, and a shift in public awareness and behavior towards sustainability. It’s about creating technologies and systems that not only mitigate environmental damage but also restore and protect our ecosystems for future generations.
eSC: What are you most excited about starting as an eSC Team Principal?
Fionn: I’m thrilled about the opportunity to merge my passion for sustainability with the dynamic world of racing. The eSC provides a unique platform to showcase sustainable technology and inspire a broader audience to engage in environmental action. I’m excited to lead a team that embodies these values and to see how we can push the boundaries of innovation in both racing and sustainability.
eSC: Your team is named “Green Journey Racers”. Can you tell us a bit more about that?
Fionn: Absolutely. The name Green Journey Racers symbolizes our commitment to the ongoing journey towards a sustainable future. “Green” emphasizes our focus on environmental sustainability, while “Journey” highlights the continuous process of learning, improving, and innovating. “Racers” connects our environmental mission with the excitement and challenge of high-speed competition. It’s about making every race a step towards a greener world, and demonstrating that sustainability and thrilling performance can go hand in hand.
Keep up with Fionn and the eSC season at esc.live and @esc.live on Instagram.
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