As iron deficiency affects many people globally, University of Luxembourg researchers worked on potential solution – an iron-rich healthy snack bar that does not only taste good but can also help maintain healthy iron levels with regular consumption.
The startup by University researchers ‘The Iron Bar’ was created by a doctoral researcher Dominika Repcikova and a postdoctoral researcher Mila Marinova. “For years, I struggled with recurring iron deficiency anaemia, caught in a cycle of diagnosis and medication – only for the issue to return months later,” shares Dominika. “I knew I wouldn’t be able to get my daily iron from diet alone, and I craved for a daily iron boost other than pills, which gave me terrible side effects. One day, I had a simple thought: what if I could regularly eat a snack bar packed with iron to help maintain my levels naturally? I realised such a product didn’t exist, so I created it. That’s when The Iron Bar was born.”
The co-founders of The Iron Bar believe that boosting iron intake should be a simple, delicious, and accessible part of daily routine. The primary target audience for this fortified nutrition bar are women. “It’s 2025, yet iron deficiency continues to affect millions of women around the world – despite the fact that much of it can be managed with adequate daily iron intake,” continues Dominika. “It is a delicious alternative to traditional over-the-counter iron pills. The Iron Bar aims to transform iron supplementation into an enjoyable and trendy lifestyle choice for women, making iron deficiency prevention easy, effective, and appealing.”
It is not easy to combine research and entrepreneurship so both scientists stress the importance of the right support system. “The environment at the University of Luxembourg, including my colleagues, has been incredibly encouraging and enthusiastic about what we’re doing,” shares Mila. “That collective support makes all the difference. Innovation rarely emerges from a single source or perspective – it thrives on the integration of diverse, complementary ideas and approaches. It requires interdisciplinarity, and that’s something the University of Luxembourg truly excels at. The University does a great job of fostering and nurturing innovation by promoting both international and interdisciplinary collaborations, supporting excellence in research and teaching, and embracing diversity. These, in my view, are the essential ingredients for creating innovative solutions that drive social, cultural, and economic development—not just in Luxembourg, but far beyond.”
This year, the Iron Bar took second place in the Eurostart Venture Awards by the Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain. “My background as a researcher has been instrumental in shaping the business,” adds Dominika.
‟ My doctoral training at the University of Luxembourg equipped me with invaluable transferable skills such as project management, problem-solving, time management, adaptability, people management, and even navigating the legal aspects of health claims. These skills have been crucial in the entrepreneurial journey, from product development to business operations.”
Doctoral researcher
The researchers believe that it is important for the University to equip students with both academic and non-academic skills, preparing them for professional success in various business environments. “What I greatly appreciate about the University of Luxembourg is its great potential in creating universally well-versed professionals proficient not only in their respective academic disciplines, but also in a broad range of non-academic skills and expertise, making them a valuable addition to any business, be it their own or one they wish to work for after their academic journey,” sums up Dominika. “The University’s Incubator and Entrepreneurship Programme prepared us for the transition from a research project to a business operation. The University of Luxembourg offers academics a fantastic preparation for professional success.”