We're thrilled to honour our Brunel graduate entrepreneurs who have been named one of the Top 100 Changemakers of 2025 by The Big Issue!
Joanna Power and Paramveer Bhachu, founders of Lylo
Founders of Lylo, UG Product Design Engineering (BSc) 2021 graduates Joanna and Paramveer have been named one of The Big Issue's Top 100 Changemakers of 2025 in the Environment and Climate category, which pays tribute to those having a positive impact on the world around us.
Developing their business during their final year of studies at Brunel, Lylo promotes water efficiency by offering products that find new and innovative ways to reuse water. Their initial product, the Lylo Aqua X, is a portable electric washing machine designed to reuse filtered shower water, with the goal of conserving water and energy, targeting students.
Joanna shares “The Big Issue pays tribute to those having a positive impact on the world around us, and it's an honour to be included among such inspiring organisations and individuals. We extend a huge congratulations to our fellow changemakers who are making significant strides in environmental and climate initiatives.”
You can read more about the Changemakers of 2025 in the Environment and Climate section here.
Jemmar Samuels, creator of the Collective Punishment Campaign
UG Politics and Sociology (BSc) 2020 graduate Jemmar has been named one of The Big Issue's Top 100 Changemakers of 2025 in the Media and Campaigns category, which aims to raise awareness of inequality and deserving causes through communication.
Every year, over 200,000 children have to face a parent being imprisoned in England and Wales. After experiencing this herself, Jemmar set up the Collective Punishment Campaign. Launched in 2022, the campaign aims to raise awareness and also secure comprehensive policy reforms to ensure families are adequately supported following parental imprisonment.
Jemmar shares “It’s amazing to see Collective Punishment Campaign getting this kind of recognition. Our work is all about building a national community for adults with lived experience of having a loved one in prison—a space for connection, healing, and collective action”
You can read more about the Changemakers of 2025 in the Media and Campaigns section here.
Jeffrey Oyinlola, founder of Pick Up The Mic
PG Sustainability, Entrepreneurship and Design (MSc) graduate Jeffrey, has also been named one of The Big Issue's Top 100 Changemakers of 2025 in the Media and Campaigns category.
Jeffrey created Pick Up the Mic, a podcast network sharing diverse young voices addressing the challenges and uncertainties students face by offering a platform of resources and personal stories. Through collaboration with universities across the UK, students are empowered to make the most of their adventures.
Jeffrey shares “I'm thrilled to share that I've been chosen as one of the 100 Changemakers of 2025 by Big Issue, recognising the impactful efforts of Pick Up The Mic Ltd in supporting students and empowering young individuals. The journey of Pick Up The Mic has been truly remarkable, and I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support that has propelled us to this point as we near our 4-year milestone.”
You can read more about the Changemakers of 2025 in the Media and Campaigns section here.
A huge congratulations Joanna, Paramveer, Jeffrey and Jemmar—you’re all making a real difference, and we can’t wait to see what’s to come next for your entrepreneurial journeys.