Marta Vânia Uetela is Innovating Prosthetics with Ocean Plastic to Transform Lives

She is the founder of BioMec, an organization that creates high-performance prostheses made from recycled plastic collected from the ocean.

Marta’s journey into this field was inspired by a close friend’s struggle to obtain a prosthesis, which highlighted the lack of accessible and affordable artificial limbs in Mozambique.

Recognizing that 90% of amputees in her country faced similar challenges due to high costs and limited healthcare access, Marta set out to make a difference.

Marta’s work with BioMec is rooted in a commitment to sustainability and social impact.

By using plastic waste, such as six discarded bottles or 250 grams of fishing nets, to construct prostheses, she addresses two critical issues: providing affordable prosthetic solutions and reducing environmental pollution.

Her approach not only gives individuals with mobility challenges a chance to lead fuller lives but also promotes recycling and environmental conservation.

BioMec’s prostheses are custom-made to suit individual needs, using advanced technology to enhance compatibility and comfort.

The organization’s mission extends beyond providing artificial limbs; it aims to offer people the ability to live without limitations, improving their confidence and productivity.

Marta’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. She was honored with the Commonwealth Points of Light Award, presented on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

This recognition was a testament to her innovative approach to combining sustainability with life-changing biomedical solutions.

Marta aspires to create prosthetic solutions that offer individuals a life without limitations.

Her goal is to produce these devices in a way that reduces costs, improves access, and increases comfort, while also aiming to reuse a significant portion of plastic waste from Mozambique’s most polluted beaches.

Her passion for solving problems, improving lives, and advocating for environmental sustainability continues to drive her entrepreneurial journey, making her a true inspiration in her community and beyond.