
The 19-year-old who wants to revolutionise the construction industry: “An incredible head start”
March 21, 2024
Janna Naser, who was recently named Anders Wall Scholar of the Year and Future Female Entrepreneur of 2024, is an entrepreneur who wants to revolutionize the construction industry. In an exclusive interview with her former upper secondary school, she talks about her plans, drive, and young entrepreneurship. "Entrepreneurship in school gives an incredible head start," she said.
Spring in Sweden brings promises of the future, and so does Janna Naser and Alga Insulation. The 19-year-old former Affärsgymnasiet (business upper secondary school) student has recently been awarded two scholarships: the Frodastipendiet for Future Female Entrepreneurs 2024 and the Anders Wall Scholarship in Young Entrepreneurship.
At the same time, Alga Insulation is in an exciting development phase. Janna and co-founder William Khzouz (another Affärsgymnasiet alumnus) are conducting tests in collaboration with RISE Research Institutes. Several stakeholders are interested in starting a pilot project this year. This summer, Janna will move to Gothenburg to be closer to the raw materials needed for her work.
Alga Insulation uses washed-up algae to create the most sustainable insulation material available on the market. This innovation could revolutionise the construction industry, which accounts for 20 percent of Sweden’s total emissions. It would also clean up coastal areas and improve biodiversity.
It’s no surprise that the company has won several awards and scholarships, or that Janna is receiving media attention.
Despite the whirlwind of activity, her work with upper secondary school students on entrepreneurship, running the Örebro Future Founders network, and serving on a non-profit foundation for sustainable development, Jenna still made time to speak with her former upper secondary scool and responded enthusiastically to our questions.
The reason she takes the time, she says, is the gratitude she feels towards the school.
“I have a lot to thank them for.”
“You might think it’s very lonely to run a business, but I would say the opposite.”
Inner drive sharpened in upper secondary school
Creativity, curiosity, and above all, the drive to constantly learn more have always been within her.
“I’ve always enjoyed challenging myself.”
Another type of challenge, one of life or death, has likely influenced her drive. In Anders Wall’s presentation films about this year’s scholarship recipients, she talks about how her parents managed to flee war-torn Iraq and bring her to Sweden:
“I have watched my parents and their drive. I am grateful that they gave me the opportunity to pursue my dreams. One day, I hope to give back to them.”
The will to work hard has been evident. In primary school, she was actively involved in the student council and became its chairperson. She loved learning as much as possible.
“It boils down to curiosity and a desire to be challenged in multiple ways.”
That desire for challenge was apparent in her choice of upper secondary school. She wanted to study science to become a doctor but also sought something extra for personal development.
“When I heard that Affärsgymnasiet combines science courses with entrepreneurship and leadership, it became an obvious choice for me.”
Once there, she realised that valuable knowledge was indeed to be gained.
“It developed me a lot. What is common for me and all my classmates is that we gained better confidence, problem-solving skills, and teamwork abilities during upper secondary school.”
She also had the chance to participate in the school’s mentorship programme, where students were matched with mentors from the business world.
“The conversations we had there were one of the things that made me want to run a company after upper secondary school.”
The extra qualities she strengthened at Affärsgymnasiet may not seem extraordinary: confidence, problem-solving, and teamwork. But upon closer examination, they are not to be underestimated.
Confidence: At 19, daring to challenge and build trust in an industry that typically adheres to old methods.
Problem-solving: Where others see waste and eutrophication, she sees gold and future innovations.
Teamwork: Engaging in dialogue with advisors, working closely with researchers, and initiating collaborations with various stakeholders – all to make the end product as good as possible.
Even though Janna Naser makes it look easy, a tremendous amount of work and dedication underlies her successes. The biggest challenge has been that the innovation has never before existed on the market. They had to build everything from scratch and gain trust in the challenging construction sector.
But at the same time, she has accumulated positive experiences and meetings along the way. And one insight has been especially uplifting: that it is possible to receive more support than most people think.
“You might think it’s very lonely to run a business, but I would say the opposite. We have received so much help along the way and found friends across the country.”
“I think entrepreneurship in school builds better confidence and develops skills that you don’t get from regular courses. It provides an incredible advantage.”
Wants to See More Entrepreneurship in Schools
What is needed for more young people to choose entrepreneurship? Janna highlights the opportunity to run a UF business, which she and all her classmates had at Affärsgymnasiet. But she would like to see it introduced earlier in the Swedish school system, even at the primary school level.
“It builds better confidence and develops skills that you don’t get from regular courses. It provides an incredible head start.”
Fact
Facts About Janna Naser
Name: Janna Naser
Age: 19
Residence: Örebro
Upper Secondary School Programme: Natural Sciences
Awards:
Future Female Entrepreneur 2024
Anders Wall Scholarship in Young Entrepreneurship
XO Foundation Scholarship
Egeryd Scholarship
SKAPA Talent in Örebro County
Spendrup Family Scholarship
Frixos Scholarship
NTRY Founders Battle
Top 20 Business Ideas in the Venture Cup Competition
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