International Women’s Day Profile: Kate Ricketts, developer of world first biofluorescent nit treatment
This year’s theme: Inspiring Inclusion Kate Ricketts, a Kiwi mother and entrepreneur has created the world’s first biofluorescent nit powder to improve visibility of head lice during treatment, address the stigma associated with the condition and increase access for vulnerable children. The product, which was recognised with a UN Sustainable Development Goal associated award, has now entered production for domestic and international markets. NZ Manufacturer caught up with Kate ahead of International Women’s Day to hear about her journey. What does International Women’s Day mean to you? It is a time to celebrate the amazing things that female innovators are currently doing and recognise the pioneers who have paved the way for change. It’s also a time to reflect on the areas where progress is still needed. In today’s business environment, do you see opportunities and also recognition for aspirational female entrepreneurs? Having developed my product with the University of Auckland, I’ve been fortunate to have experienced their entrepreneurship incubators and how they feed into the wider world of industry. You have access to amazing people who have helped when the training wheels came off and who understand some of the additional pressures that come with being a female founder. Tell us about what you do I’m the founder of ISpyNits, a company that produces a glow-in-the-dark head lice treatment product that allows you to better identify lice eggs and remove them to prevent reinfections. We have developed a supporting education programme using biofluorescence to destigmatise the condition among children. How did the idea for a biofluorescent powder come about? The product was developed in response to a frustrating problem that many parents have faced treating head lice and missing eggs. As a vet nurse I used UV light to confirm the presence of ringworm and read an article suggesting […]