A BELFAST mechanical engineer has unleashed a game-changing 3D-designed body armour to the global market in a move which is poised to create up to 30 jobs in the city.
Peter Gilleece is at the forefront of a ground-breaking venture in the world of protective gear, having founded Vikela.
It wants to disrupt the body armour industry with innovative human-centred 3D-designed materials that provide superior protection and comfort compared to conventional body armour, as well as offering females better protection than traditional products on the market.
The innovation comes at a time when the industry is ready for a significant transformation.
His product is a lightweight, flexible material that promises to be a world-class alternative to existing body armour — the traditional Kevlar-based bulletproof vests that have remained largely unchanged for the past 50 years.
Peter says: "In the real world, nothing is absolutely bulletproof. The Kevlar-made bulletproof vests are actually bullet-resistant and graded to a specific level of protection according to international standards for ballistic resistance, but Vikela is committed to exceeding existing testing standards to offer enhanced protection compared to what’s out there at present.”
The designs at Vikela not only offer heightened protection but are more sustainable than the products offered by its peers that use ceramic plate manufacturing, a time-consuming process and a significant environmental burden.
Traditional ceramic plates take 2.5 days in a kiln to produce, incurring substantial energy costs. These plates are typically discarded after just five years of use, creating unnecessary waste.
Vikela's solution offers local production and recyclability at the end of life, aligning with sustainability goals and net-zero targets.
It will do this by employing 3D printing technology, a modern manufacturing technique unavailable half a century ago.
This innovation allows its material to cover more than just a person's front and back – with the option to create forearm and leg coverings using this advanced material.
To turn the Vikela vision into reality, the company is pitching for investment by offering investors a lucrative opportunity to be part of a hugely scalable company.
Vikela is seeking funding to kick-start manufacturing and with significant interest from prospective buyers, the business is positive that funding will be secured in the immediate future.
“Profitability is imminent once production is under way and we have our eyes on the global defence sector which is long overdue innovations that not only offer better protection to users but align with sustainability goals that are crucial in today’s working world.”
Vikela currently has five full-time staff members and is headquartered in Belfast, with an office near the Odyssey complex. Peter envisions the potential to create up to 30 jobs as the business scales up in Northern Ireland.
"Our focus is on applying 3D thinking for human-centred design, with an emphasis on business progress and growth. We're committed to manufacturing and growing in Northern Ireland, creating high-skilled jobs at all levels," he adds.
Vikela’s inaugural product range, APIS stab protection, is designed for optimal fit and comfort, with a female-specific range to enhance protection.
In the pipeline, after APIS, Vikela plans to develop and manufacture its ballistic protection range, Tyrella, before diversifying into other markets such as motor vehicle parts and sports protective clothing.
