At just 20 years old, Tunisian entrepreneur Bochra Bargaoui is making waves in the sustainable design world with her startup, Bochra. Neptune. What began as a passion project in her hometown has blossomed into an international brand that transforms discarded marble and granite from construction sites into handcrafted children’s puzzles and mosaic art.
At the age of 17, Bargaoui founded Bochra.Neptune after being influenced by the mosaic work she saw while growing up in Tunisia. The business turns leftover marble into environmentally friendly items like ornamental mosaics and instructive toys. Each puzzle kit, such as a winking owl design, includes natural stone pieces and glue, promoting creativity and sustainability among children.
After moving to Dubai in 2024 to study at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences, Bargaoui joined an entrepreneurship accelerator program. Her startup gained significant traction, securing placements in major retailers like Carrefour UAE and Barnes & Noble. Bochra. Neptune now boasts over 2,000 designs and operates in more than 20 countries, with a team of over 40 employees and freelancers.
As a Top 10 finalist in the Catalyst Bootcamp in Abu Dhabi, which focusses on climate tech and circular economy solutions, Bargaoui’s dedication to sustainability and creativity was acknowledged. Her commitment to developing environmentally friendly items that respect traditional craftsmanship and address environmental issues is further demonstrated by this recognition.
