Insights from Environmental Entrepreneur Julie Bliss Mullen of Aclarity

The New Tech Ventures class had the privilege of hearing from environmental entrepreneur Julie Bliss Mullen, founder and CEO of Aclarity, a pioneering company focused on removing PFAs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, often referred to as “forever chemicals”) from water sources.

Although she joined us virtually, her insights and practical advice resonated deeply with our class, sparking inspiration and actionable ideas. Here are the key takeaways from her session:

Work on What You Are Passionate About

Growing up in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, Mullen had no idea she would become a successful entrepreneur and CEO. Being the first in her family to go to college, she did not have much guidance from her parents. However, she did not let this stand in the way of her goals. From an early age, she was captivated by science and always knew she could make a revolutionary impact in the field—and she did.

Mullen obtained her degree in environmental and sustainable studies at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). While at WPI, she became a member of Engineers Without Borders (EWB), an organization dedicated to developing long-term solutions for communities. She first learned about the growing issue with the U.S. drinking water supply at EWB. This gave her the chance to concentrate her doctoral studies on developing methods for treating PFAs, or forever chemicals, contamination in drinking water, which were believed to be unbreakable at the time. 

Adjust to Market Demands

Despite being told she could never destroy the forever chemical, Mullen knew she had what it required to do it. Following WPI, she earned a PhD in civil and environmental engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (UMass). There, she worked closely with her adviser to create an electrochemical water filtration system that could successfully eliminate PFAs. It was initially intended to be a little gadget designed for domestic usage. But after more market research and customer feedback, she decided to scale up her idea for commercial use because it would be more effective. This illustrates how crucial it is for entrepreneurs to adjust to the demands of the market.

Don’t Be Afraid to Take Risks

Mullen was first apprehensive about bringing her idea to the market. She chose to take a chance and enter a UMass entrepreneurial competition. Aclarity’s first prototype was created as a result of her proposal taking first place.

Everything changed afterward. Mullen saw the potential benefits of commercializing her idea and the impact it would have on drinking water. However, there came another obstacle, she had no idea how to start a company. Mullen decided to enroll in business courses and collaborate with businesspeople who were more successful in the field.

Iterate, Iterate, and Iterate Again

Before Aclarity got its desired product, the company went through more than 20 iterations. Aclarity initially intended to serve large-scale industries instead of the domestic sector. This was a difficult decision because it required repeatedly reworking the entire product until the desired result was achieved. However, it was essential to expanding her business. Applying for grants and obtaining appropriate funds were also nonlinear. Mullen mentioned that she got turned down more often than many believe. Before submitting a grant application, she advises making sure that all rules and specifications are fulfilled.

Build the Right Team

Mullen understood early on the value of delegation. She was aware that in order to grow her company, she would want individuals with a variety of skills and qualities. She wasn’t particularly selective about the people she hired at first, but she gradually improved her selection skills. She underlined how crucial it is to surround oneself with individuals who have varied skill sets and share your goal. She would not have been able to develop her idea into the prosperous business it is today if she had not properly organized her team.

‘Build It Now’

We noticed as a group that we all experience the inability to know where to start. Although we all want to launch a venture or do something revolutionary, we feel like we don’t have enough ideas. We think that the most important lesson from Mullen’s visit is: “If you want something, build it now.”

Mullen’s lecture highlights the importance of not waiting for the perfect moment because it might never come. When we focus on our shortcomings, we often overlook our strengths and knowledge. Mullen focused on science as she was aware that it was her area of expertise rather than business.

Never underestimate what you already have or know; often, the best idea is right in front of us, but we are too preoccupied with what we can’t achieve.

Start with what you have, pick up knowledge along the road, and don’t be scared to change course if necessary to ensure the success of your project.

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Tagged Entrepreneurship Education, Tech Entrepreneurship, Undergraduate, New Tech Ventures Blog

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