The European Union is a strong promoter of the importance of Skills, which are especially relevant in today’s market. Through a number of initiatives, the EU supports young women and men across the Southern Neighbourhood to develop their competences and secure a promising future. In this Flashback series, we speak to individuals who benefited from these projects. Today, they reflect on the positive impact this EU support has had on their life.

In Algeria, microbiologist Dr. Yamina Bouchikh took the entrepreneurial world by storm with her startup TANMU, which turns waste bacteria into vegan leather and other sustainable material.

When you embarked on this journey, what were your dreams ?

As a scientist confined to a laboratory, my focus was solely on research. I concentrated on solving ecological issues through my ideas. I was trying to develop alternative materials -like vegan leather- from bacterial cellulose, which is also known as microbes. A few years ago, I wasn’t even sure I would manage to turn TANMU into a real startup. 

I would have never dreamt of gaining the visibility I got thanks to  EU Neighbours South and other EU programmes. From dreaming of launching a startup, I ended up being awarded by the president of the Republic of Algeria and the Minister of Startups! It was surreal.

What skills did you gain through this EU-funded programme and how did they help you advance your dreams?

Before joining THE NEXT SOCIETY, the whole entrepreneurial scene was like a foreign language to me. Every term, concept, and aspect related to business and entrepreneurship was a mystery. 

This programme was a transformative experience: it unveiled a whole new world to me. I learned how to cultivate my ideas to address specific challenges within the market. The programme equipped me [and my team] with a profound understanding of business tools, including business models, pitching techniques. It also gave meinsights into the roles of investors and business angels. The training sessions really helped me bridge the gap between my previous world and the world of entrepreneurship.

Today, what is your proudest achievement?

Understanding that our research and ideas had the potential to generate revenue and create value has given me a truly new perspective on life. I can effortlessly shift between my research mindset and strategic business thinking.

I would say that my proudest achievement is to successfully juggle between spearheading a startup, heading a research project and managing a happy family. I come from a background where my mother had to make the choice of prioritising raising us over pursuing her career. So, while it is not always easy -especially as I live in a remote area-, this programme helped me shatter the misconception that this whole entrepreneurial world was beyond my reach. 

In an environment where societal expectations might dictate otherwise, I am proud to say I navigate the delicate balance between professional and familial responsibilities. It’s a daily challenge, but one that I tackle with determination and pride.

Flashback to : https://south.euneighbours.eu/ecard/yamina-bouchikh/ 

TANMU Instagram https://www.instagram.com/_.tanmu._/?hl=en