Thamires PONTES

Thamires Pontes is the Founder & CEO of Phycolabs, a pioneering Brazilian startup developing seaweed-based textile fibers to decarbonize and transform the fashion industry. Born and raised in Brazil’s Northeast, her connection to the ocean shaped her academic and professional path. With over a decade of experience in the textile sector (fabric importation, trend research, and material innovation), she majored in Fashion Design. Her research revealed the untapped potential of seaweed as a sustainable fiber. This insight became the foundation of Phycolabs in 2022 and redirected her career toward biotechnology and ocean-based climate solutions. Under her leadership, Phycolabs advances regenerative materials derived from seaweed biodiversity and collaborates with coastal communities to build ethical, traceable supply chains. Her work has gained international recognition, including the Global Change Award from the H&M Foundation (2023), the Unlock Her Future Prize from The Bicester Collection (2024), and the Women of the Year in Science Award from Glamour Magazine (2024). She has been nominated four times for the Earthshot Prize (2025), and was one of the winners of the 929 Challenge in Macau (2025). She is an Ecopreneur at Sustainable Ocean Alliance and a fellow of the Women in Ocean Food program, reinforcing her commitment to ocean-positive innovation.