Olivia Ahn

Olivia Ahn is a British medical doctor, innovator, and founder of Fluus. Fluus developed the world's first flushable sanitary pad, which launched in 2023. She is the winner of the Mayor of London's Entrepreneur Competition and the WE Innovate Program.

Education Ahn studied medicine at the Imperial College London. She became angry at the feminine hygiene market and more concerned by environmental issues. Frustrated by the impact of sanitary pads on the environment, she founded Planera during her final year of medical school. She competed in entrepreneurial competitions at Imperial College London, securing financial support, mentorship, and sponsors. Ahn has said that her biggest advice to budding entrepreneurs is to do consumer testing and validation: extensive in-house testing proved insufficient. The sanitary pad is certified flushable, 100% biodegradable, and has the same environmental impact as toilet paper.

The pads launched in 2023, and take inspiration from hydrophobic surfaces in plants to direct water into a highly absorbent core.

Awards and honours

2017 Althea-Imperial Programme Winner 2018 Advanced Hackspace Grant 2018 Mayor of London Entrepreneur Competition