Leeds University Business School alumnus, Revannth Murugesan makes waves

Business School alumnus Revannth Murugesan leads tech innovation with 3D printing start-up

In an article published by The Times on 4 October, Leeds was highlighted as a leading contender in the UK's tech start-up ecosystem, competing with cities like Manchester and London.

The article showcases the city’s growing influence in the technology sector, particularly through its strong fintech and healthcare technology foundations, as well as its expanding network of innovators in diverse fields. A standout success story is that of Revannth Murugesan, a Leeds University Business School alumnus, who has made waves with his pioneering 3D printing company, Antonym.

Murugesan, who completed his master’s at Leeds in 2018, has been at the forefront of tech innovation in Leeds, turning his academic research into a thriving business. His entrepreneurial journey began through the Business School’s incubator programme, which provided office space, grants, and visa support to help him launch Antonym, a start-up that originally focused on 3D printing parts for electric vehicles to reduce emissions.

Founded in 2021, Antonym has since evolved into a company offering mobile "factories in a box" – customised 3D printing units housed in shipping containers. These mobile units enable companies across industries, from aerospace to healthcare, to manufacture parts on-site, reducing the environmental impact and supply chain challenges. Murugesan is now preparing for the company’s first external fundraising round of £1.25 million to expand into the U.S., though he remains committed to keeping the company’s headquarters in Leeds.

Despite global expansion plans, Murugesan sees Leeds as an ideal base due to its growing tech talent pool:

“Access to capital is undoubtedly better in the US but access to talent, in Leeds and also Sheffield, is better.”

Murugesan’s journey from a student at Leeds University Business School to the founder of a cutting-edge company underscores the vital role the school plays in fostering entrepreneurial success. The success of alumni like Murugesan highlights Leeds as a city of opportunity for innovators and entrepreneurs alike.

Find out how Leeds University Business School supports entrepreneurs For Students | University of Leeds