In our latest #OurEntrepreneurs profile we meet cohort 8 Clinical Entrepreneur Tufayl Hannan, A&E Doctor.
Tell us a bit about yourself
My name is Tufayl Hannan and as a co-founder of Gnashers, I spearhead a sustainable oral care revolution, dedicated to reshaping the industry with a commitment to health and environmental stewardship. Alongside my entrepreneurial endeavours, I am an A&E doctor advocating for the integration of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) in healthcare, emphasising patient care, research, and equitable access to education. I am also an avid content creator and love creating compelling narratives through photography, videography, and graphic design to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Name: Tufayl Hannan
Occupation: A&E Doctor
Location: Southern Health & Social Care Trust
Tell us about your innovation
Every year 1.5 billion toothpaste tubes end up in landfill, or even worse our oceans. Oral care products on the market today are substandard and have been unchanged for decades. Most contain harmful ingredients like parabens, sulphates, microplastics and palm oil which is bad for our planet. As a co-founder of Gnashers, our mission isn’t merely to disrupt the oral care industry; it’s to reshape it—promoting a healthier planet and brighter smiles.
Our flagship product is a sustainable oral care subscription box, featuring toothpaste and mouthwash in tablet form. But this is just the start—we are looking forward to creating even more innovative sustainable oral care products for the future.
Why did you apply to join the programme, and what are you most looking forward to?
I learned about the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme through a close friend who was already enrolled and was launching his innovation to enhance carbon emissions and efficiency in NHS logistics. Through the CEP I intend to further build my entrepreneurial skills, as well as forge connections within the NHS to become the first eco-friendly toothpaste on its supply chain.
I hope the programme will equip me with the skills and guidance to navigate the difficult NHS landscape. I aim to gain valuable insights and exposure to opportunities which will ultimately help me to establish a foothold within the NHS and contribute to its mission of continuous improvement, innovation, and sustainability.
What are your ambitions for the next year?
Over the next year, my ambitions revolve around two key areas: firstly, to bolster Gnashers’ social media presence, engaging our audience effectively and amplifying our message of sustainability. Concurrently, I aim to cultivate my own personal brand, establishing credibility and resonance within the entrepreneurial, sustainability and productivity communities. Secondly, I plan to launch Gnashers in several NHS trusts, initiating pilot programmes to gather feedback and refine our product for seamless integration into the NHS supply chain. This iterative process will be pivotal in ensuring our oral care solution meets the needs of healthcare providers while advancing our mission of sustainability in oral care.
Why do you think innovation is important in healthcare?
Innovation in healthcare is crucial as it drives progress, enhances patient outcomes, and enables the delivery of more efficient and effective care.
How can we find out more?
Please visit http://www.gnashers.shop for more information.