Driven and talented Ruchira Rangaprasad is graduating from Queen’s University Belfast today with a Master’s in Marketing, having balanced her degree with the launch of a business during their time in University. 

Alongside her studies, Ruchira is Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Co-Founder of Balantra, a company revolutionising gut health with innovative liquid-soluble fibre sachets. Since launching in June, the company has raised £32,000 and is designed to tackle the fibre deficiency affecting 90% of UK adults. 

With sustainable packaging and targeted benefits for diverse demographics, Balantra bridges the gap between clinical fibre supplements and lifestyle products, offering a modern, accessible approach to improving digestive health and is already making an impact. 

Ruchira credits Queen’s with playing a vital role in her academic and entrepreneurial journey: 

“We obtained £5,000 through the ‘QUest’ programme at Queen’s and won an additional £500 for the best market discovery journey. We also received ongoing support from SU Enterprise securing £2,300 from their Make it Happen Fund and winning second prize of €1,000 in the Inspire Impact Challenge. Beyond funding, Queen’s has put us in touch with some fabulous alumni who introduced us to amazing experts in our area.” 

 Ruchira’s time at Queen’s has been packed with opportunities that extended far beyond the classroom. She held two part-time jobs at the University, including a role as a Student Skills Assistant with the Business School’s ‘QBS Connect’ initiative. Ruchira also worked as a Social Media Assistant for Queen's Business School, producing video content for Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts, gaining hands-on experience that would prove useful in her role as CMO. 

 An active participant in university life, Ruchira was the Chair of the Institute of Directors at Queen’s, organising their flagship event, and a member of the Bhakti Yoga Society. She is also a Committee Member of the Queen’s Graduate Association, which she describes as “a very rewarding experience.” 

Beyond the University, her accomplishments include being named a 22 under 22 entrepreneur and a 30 under 30 Climate Change Maker by Belfast City Council. Ruchira also volunteers as Marketing Lead for the Ethnic Minority Employment and Entrepreneurship Network. 

Looking to the future, Ruchira plans to continue growing Balantra and embracing new opportunities: 

“I want to sign up for everything that comes my way, share my journey, make meaningful connections, travel a lot, and have fun! I don’t know exactly what the future holds, but I know I’m doing enough now to ensure it looks decent.” 

Today, Ruchira graduates not just with a degree but as a marketer, entrepreneur, and innovator, ready to take the next steps in her exciting journey. 

 

Media

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