Biography of Gihan Amarasiriwardena: Founder of Ministry of Supply- Entrepreneur
Biography of Gihan Amarasiriwardena:
Early Years and Education
Gihan Amarasiriwardena, a creative and curious engineer, was
always passionate about innovation and design. He attended the prestigious
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned a degree in
Chemical and Biological Engineering. During his time at MIT, he was deeply
involved in extracurricular activities, particularly in sports, where he was
captain of the varsity cross-country team and participated in track and field.
Gihan's academic journey was shaped by his involvement in the Undergraduate
Research Opportunities Program and the Bernard M. Gordon Engineering Leadership
Program, which honed his problem-solving skills and leadership abilities.
Building a Foundation in Innovation
After completing his degree, Gihan set out to combine his
engineering skills with his interest in product design. He worked on various
innovative projects, including his internship at Loughborough University, where
he developed rapid manufacturing techniques for racing shoes and prototyped
custom-designed footwear for Paralympic athletes. This hands-on experience
allowed him to merge his technical expertise with design principles, laying the
groundwork for his future endeavors in innovative product creation.
The Birth of Ministry of Supply
In 2010, Gihan co-founded Ministry of Supply, a company that
would later revolutionize the world of business wear. The company's core
mission was to create high-performance professional apparel that combined
technology with design, aiming to make work clothes as functional and
comfortable as athletic gear. The idea was inspired by Gihan’s background in
engineering and his desire to rethink traditional clothing. He and his team
launched their first product, the Apollo Dress Shirt, in 2012, which incorporated
NASA Phase Change Materials to regulate body temperature. The shirt was a
game-changer, receiving widespread media attention and becoming the most-funded
fashion project on Kickstarter at the time.
Growth and Recognition
Under Gihan's leadership, Ministry of Supply grew rapidly,
earning coverage in major publications such as The New York Times, Wall Street
Journal, and Forbes. The company’s innovative approach to apparel design, which
focused on performance, comfort, and sustainability, set it apart in the
fashion industry. Ministry of Supply continued to push boundaries by
introducing new product lines and materials, striving to create clothing that
could meet the demands of modern professionals.
Venturing into the Future of Fashion
Gihan’s vision for Ministry of Supply wasn’t limited to just
creating better clothing; he wanted to push the boundaries of what was possible
in fashion through science and technology. This drive led him to experiment
with new materials and processes that could optimize manufacturing while
minimizing environmental impact. His work with NASA materials and focus on
high-performance fabrics exemplified his commitment to blending technology with
style in ways that had never been done before.
Leadership Beyond Ministry of Supply
In addition to his role at Ministry of Supply, Gihan has
been involved in several other leadership ventures. He served as a board member
for Climate Neutral, an organization dedicated to helping companies reduce
their carbon emissions and earn a certification for their sustainability
efforts. His work with the Climate Neutral certification process reflected his
broader interest in sustainability and supply chain optimization, areas where
he believed significant advancements could be made to create a smaller
environmental footprint.
Fostering Innovation in Education
Gihan’s passion for innovation also extended to education.
He joined MIT's Corporation Development Committee as an associate member, where
he helped promote development initiatives and bridge the gap between
early-career alumni and the university. This involvement allowed him to give
back to the institution that had shaped his own career and foster the next
generation of innovators. Gihan’s commitment to education and mentorship
reflects his belief in the importance of learning and sharing knowledge.
Biography of Gihan Amarasiriwardena: Founder of Ministry of Supply/entrepreneur /innovate business wear/startup/age/net worth/Ministry of Supply
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Gihan's work has been recognized by
various organizations, including the Lemelson-MIT Foundation, where he was a
fellow. As part of the Lemelson-MIT Prize process, he conducted due diligence
reviews for nominees and contributed to the development of STEM education
programs. His involvement in these prestigious initiatives demonstrated his
commitment to not just creating products, but also fostering the next wave of
innovation and sustainability in engineering and design.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Gihan’s dedication to sustainability is not only reflected
in his work with Climate Neutral but also in his approach to materials and
manufacturing. At Ministry of Supply, he and his team continuously worked to
incorporate sustainable practices into their production processes, utilizing
innovative materials that minimized waste and environmental impact. His work
aimed to create products that were not only functional but also environmentally
responsible, demonstrating his long-term commitment to creating a better world
through innovation.
A Vision for the Future of Apparel
Looking ahead, Gihan remains focused on reshaping the future
of apparel with his human-centered design approach. He is deeply committed to
creating clothing that serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, pushing
the boundaries of what clothing can do. His work at Ministry of Supply and his
ongoing research in materials science and product design reflect his belief in
the power of technology to improve everyday life, especially in the world of
fashion.
Legacy of Innovation
As Gihan continues to lead Ministry of Supply, his impact on
the world of fashion and engineering grows. His innovative spirit, leadership,
and dedication to sustainability have made him a prominent figure in both the
fashion and tech industries. Through his work, Gihan has shown that combining
creativity with technology can lead to groundbreaking solutions, and his
journey is a testament to the power of innovation in shaping a better future
for both consumers and the planet.
Timeline for story
2010 - Co-founded Ministry of Supply, aiming to innovate
business wear.
2012 - Launched the Apollo Dress Shirt with NASA Phase
Change Materials.
2013-2014 - Ministry of Supply became the most-funded
fashion project on Kickstarter.
2015-Present - Led Ministry of Supply’s rapid growth and
recognition in major publications.
2020 - Served as a board member for Climate Neutral,
focusing on sustainability.
Ongoing - Joined MIT’s Corporation Development Committee to
promote innovation and mentorship.
Ongoing - Committed to advancing sustainability and human-centered design in apparel.
