Katie Vance

“Often, innovation comes from a point of pain and a point of purpose.”

GCU graduate Katie Vance shares her journey in the world of innovation and entrepreneurial business.

Katie graduated with a BA in Adventure Recreation Management in 2006 at Glasgow Caledonian University, which ignited a passion for learning.

“I had a slight disconnect with learning before I went to university, and when I started at GCU, it was like somebody switched a light on. I have had a lifelong love for learning since.”

After graduating, Katie explored further education and became a primary school teacher. Not long after, she started her own family.

When Katie’s daughter was diagnosed with a lifelong lung condition, she was spurred into action to create a physiotherapy device to make the twice-daily sessions more engaging.

“The equipment supplied to do the twice-daily physio routine lacked engagement and wasn't child-friendly. We felt that it wasn't providing the optimum lung clearance that she required."

Katie developed a PEP device for her daughter, used to help those with respiratory conditions by opening airways and clearing phlegm from the lungs. Katie’s device was eye-catching and engaging, steering away from the clinical aesthetic of typical devices.

“From the moment a child opened the box, I wanted them to have this immediate connection. It was more toy-like. They were excited by the box, they've got stickers to decorate, and they can name the device. All of this creates a bond and connection.”

After positive feedback from the physiotherapists working with her daughter, Katie wanted other children to have access to child-friendly physiotherapy. She officially launched Bubble FLO in 2016.

Since Bubble FLO’s launch, Katie has received a plethora of entrepreneurial support.

“We had a whole wealth of entrepreneurial organisations out there helping me get it from concept to market.”

This included Business Gateway, Interface, RBS accelerator, South of Scottish Enterprise, and winning the Wild Card Award at the Scottish Edge.

Although Katie has had many achievements since launching Bubble FLO, her goals for the future continue.

“This year we're going to be doing a clinical trial with Glasgow Children's Hospital, and that's exciting.

“Ultimately, I want to help as many families as possible. I want every child to be able to access Bubble FLO.”

Katie’s advice for students, aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs is:

“Be bold, ask some big asks and see what comes from it.

“There's lots of innovative organisations, especially in Glasgow, that will have companies that will be desperate to have your skill set.

“I'm proud to be a Glasgow Caledonian graduate because it ignited a love of learning, and I have used that through my entire career”.