Henrietta Newble, 19, originally from Cambridge, has been building businesses since primary school, from running a CAD design venture to trying to launch a t-shirt company at just ten years old.

Now, with a growing network of mentors, industry partners and investors, she is preparing to bring a breakthrough innovation, that began as an A-level project, to market.

Henrietta said: “It was a rudimental project, but it gave me time to do initial market research, then I was told I should keep going with it.”

Her company, AnFiTest, is an equine and livestock rapid diagnostic venture focused on preventing major nutrition-based animal diseases. The start-up aims to address the lack of fast, accessible and reliable on-site diagnostics for animal health, replacing slow laboratory testing and subjective visual assessment with a portable diagnostic platform powered by a novel assay.

Henrietta first explored engineering through a scholarship and early work experience placements, earning awards for her achievements. Although she briefly considered architecture, she chose to study mechanical engineering at Newcastle University due to its specialist Masters pathway, the city’s thriving innovation ecosystem and Newcastle itself.

A turning point came when Henrietta attended a Newcastle University START UP pitching workshop. Unsure what to present, she pitched her A-level idea, and the START UP team immediately recognised its potential.

She added: “Newcastle University’s START UP team gave me the confidence and the structure to turn an idea into a real company. I’ve built networks, accessed labs, secured funding and been supported every step of the way.”

Support for budding entrepreneurs

Henrietta connected with mentors across the University, including experts in the Chemistry department, who helped test and refine early prototypes in the University’s laboratories.

Henrietta picked up the pace 12 months ago and, in that time, has taken part in Innovate UK's Growth and Scale programme, raised £40,000 in early-stage funding with a further £80,000 currently being raised, and secured premises with dedicated lab and office facilities. Henrietta has also created valuable work experience opportunities for our students, taking on four student interns through the University’s NCL Internships programme and recently appointed an R&D Director with a PhD from Oxford University — demonstrating the power of industry–university–community partnerships.

A talented athlete, Henrietta competed in tetrathlon at a high level until the age of 16, when an accident ended her sporting career.

She reflects: “I would not have made this product if I was still competing at that level. Losing that part of my life opened the door to everything I am doing now.”

Claire Adamson, Senior Manager for Entrepreneurship and Start-Up at Newcastle University, said “Henrietta is a fantastic example of what can happen when early curiosity is matched with the right support. From the moment she pitched her idea, it was clear she had both technical ability and the drive to build something impactful. Our role is to help students like Henrietta turn promising ideas into viable businesses, and she has embraced every opportunity. As a female STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) student launching an innovative product into a growth sector, Henrietta serves as an important role model to others. We’re incredibly proud to support her journey.”

Professor Jane Robinson, Newcastle University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor Business, Partnerships and Place, said: “We are proud of Henrietta’s success - she is an example of what is possible when talent, purpose and ambition come together. With the right support in a University setting, ideas grow and budding entrepreneurs can discover what they’re capable of. 

“We encourage our students and graduates to take the first step and are here to support them to turn their ideas into thriving businesses. Their drive and ambition positively benefit our communities, industries and the North East economy.”