Business and Innovation Award 2025

Global winner

• The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), King's College London

  Enchia is advancing global mental health through scientific innovation. As co-founder of Bened Biomedical, she develops pioneering psychobiotics targeting the gut-brain axis, providing natural, non-invasive solutions for individuals with neurological and mental health challenges, including the neurodivergent community. Her work offers hope for improved emotional and neurological well-being worldwide. In addition to her work in biotechnology, Enchia serves on the board of the Taipei Women's Rescue Foundation, where she advocates for gender equity and supports survivors of domestic and digital sexual violence. 

  East Asia: Enchia Tsai (Taiwan)

Global finalists

• University College London

  Dr Al Hubaysh is driving innovation in healthcare through pioneering cancer treatments and biomanufacturing. Their team developed a novel cancer treatment, which led to the creation of eeVee, a company focused on making this breakthrough treatment accessible worldwide. In collaboration with the CEO of Life Science Group, Dr Al Hubaysh is also establishing the Saudi Biomanufacturing Company to boost local production of biological reagents and reduce reliance on imports. These ventures are set to benefit thousands of patients and strengthen Saudi-UK scientific collaboration. 

  Middle East and North Africa: Dr Abeer Al Hubaysh (Saudi Arabia)
• City St George's, University of London

  Alexis launched easyVirtual.tours to make places accessible to users through immersive virtual tours. They pioneered virtual reality (VR) applications in tourism, restaurants, and historical sites, helping thousands of European companies digitise and enhance customer engagement. In 2024, they launched the first virtual tour franchise, empowering dozens of European entrepreneurs to launch profitable VR businesses. Their inclusive virtual training programmes enable disabled individuals to access new experiences, breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity while democratising VR technology for broader communities.

  Europe: Alexis Murat (France)
• University of Warwick

  Askar has mentored over 2,000 developers across Central Asia and Mongolia, helping Kazakh startups succeed in the Google Solution Challenge. He trained 100 product managers via Devs University and launched the region’s first Product Management Conference and Devs.bot online simulator. Askar pioneered Central Asia’s first analyst certification and supported Silkway, the first Google for Startups partner-led accelerator. Through initiatives like @devs_kz and Google Developer Group, he promotes collaboration between developers and emerging talent across the region.

  Wider Europe: Askar Aituov (Kazakhstan)
• The University of Manchester

  Ignas has over seven years of experience developing technology solutions to address climate change. As co-founder and CEO of FoodWare, he is reimagining the future of packaging and supply chains with the goal of eliminating single-use packaging, one of the major contributors to environmental pollution. He earned his first patent at 21 and completed his first company exit at 25. Ignas’ work has already positively impacted tens of thousands of people globally, with the potential to reach millions more.

  Americas: Ignas Grazys (USA)
• University of Birmingham, Robert Gordon University

  King is a business strategist and communications expert who helped manage Ghana’s oil and gas discovery communication. As founder of DONE BY US and Executive Director of Africa Street MBA, he has trained, mentored, and coached over 7,000 young people in underserved communities. Through Africa Street MBA, he empowers young people by bridging the gap between ambition and opportunity, promoting responsible business practices, and equipping them to become global leaders.

  Sub-Saharan Africa: King Adawu Wellington (Ghana)
• University of Nottingham

  Mayank is the founder of Gud Gum, a biodegradable, plastic-free chewing gum brand combatting plastic pollution and promoting sustainability. Through educational initiatives, including TEDx talks, he has inspired over 2,500 students and parents to embrace mindful consumption. #TheGudMove campaign engaged over 50,000 people to adopt sustainable practices. Additionally, Mayank co-founded WasteNOT India, aiming to reduce food waste by up to 30 per cent in over 50 restaurants just by educating, benefitting both the environment and the hospitality industry. 

  South Asia: Mayank B Nagori (India)