Finlay Frank

University of Nottingham > Engineering > Departments > Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering > PDM Exhibitions > 2025 > BEng students > Finlay Frank

FolliCool – Portable, accessible, user centred chemotherapy scalp cooling treatment

Hi, I’m Finn — a dedicated and ambitious Product Design and Manufacture graduate from the University of Nottingham, with a year’s industrial experience at Dyson.

I’ve always had a strong drive for problem-solving and a deep curiosity about how everyday objects function. This natural interest led me to pursue the Product Design and Manufacture course at the University of Nottingham, where the unique blend of creative innovation and technical precision strongly aligned with my passions and strengths. Over the past four years, this combination has shaped my design thinking and helped me develop a well-rounded approach to problem-solving. I find satisfaction in the technical development phase of the design process — transforming concepts into functional, manufacturable products — and this is where I believe my strengths lie.

My academic journey has allowed me to explore a broad range of projects, but I’ve found myself particularly drawn to areas such as CAD, rendering, and industrial design — where creativity meets precision. These interests have shaped much of my work, allowing me to develop strong technical capabilities in 3D modelling, visualisation, and design for manufacture. Alongside these, I’ve also gained valuable experience in user-centred design and prototyping, as well as key collaborative and time management skills essential for effective project delivery.

During my placement year at Dyson as a Product Engineering Intern, I gained invaluable insight into the pace, standards, and challenges of working within a leading global design and engineering company. This experience confirmed my passion for working in a high-performance design environment and motivated me to continue developing my skills in real-world settings.

I’m now looking to take the next step in my design career, where I can apply my technical abilities, creative mindset, and hands-on experience to meaningful and innovative product development.

Finlay Frank, BEng Product Design and Manufacture with year in industry

FolliCool – Portable, accessible, user centred chemotherapy scalp cooling treatment

FolliCool is a breakthrough scalp cooling system designed to help reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss, combining clinical-grade performance with patient-centred portability and control. Engineered for those undergoing cancer treatment, FolliCool empowers users to take an active role in their care with a flexible, accessible solution that fits seamlessly into daily life.

The product is based on an interchangeable two-unit design, where a stationary and portable unit connect with one another for maximum performance and usability. The stationary unit uses a high-performance compressor cooling system to chill a circulating coolant fluid down to -1°C, the optimal coolant temperature to help protect hair follicles during chemotherapy.

The coolant is then transferred to the portable unit where a lightweight, compact thermoelectric cooling unit maintains the fluid temperature, ready to be pumped through specially designed cooling caps worn by the user.

Solenoid valves and quick release couplings seamlessly control the direction of fluid flow between the two units through the touch of a button, for intuitive and hassle-free connection. The portable unit is compact and easy to transport, with a built-in handle for short distances and an optional strap attachment for longer journeys where fatigue comes into the equation.

Portable, accessible, user-centred scalp cooling treatment

With a battery life of 1.5 hours, the portable unit provides users with unmatched freedom and flexibility for cooling wherever, whenever.

Designed with a patient-led philosophy, FolliCool puts control in the hands of the user via the FolliCool App, which allows for real-time adjustments, session scheduling, and treatment tracking from any smartphone. At an accessible price point of approximately $4,500, the system allows for considerably lower treatment costs than competitor products, bringing effective scalp cooling into the hands of more patients.