Business and Innovation Award 2024

Global winner

• University of Strathclyde

  Nabeel is an innovator who is key in influencing the entrepreneurial landscape in Pakistan. He has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives, including the creation of Plan9 Tech Incubator and hosting Idea Croron Ka, Pakistan's first business reality show, showcasing his commitment to democratising entrepreneurship. Beyond borders, Nabeel has taken on global roles, serving as CEO of the Commonwealth Youth Innovation Hub and contributing to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development–Commonwealth Entrepreneurship Project for Pakistan.

  South Asia: Nabeel Qadeer (Pakistan)

Global finalists

• The University of Edinburgh; Chevening scholar

  Elevating Egypt's innovation landscape, Ahmed excels as an innovation programme manager at Arab African International Bank. He merges entrepreneurship and tech with finance, revolutionising banking solutions through open innovation models which touch thousands of lives. He leverages this UK-acquired expertise into pioneering sustainable, inclusive economic growth. Previously, he cofounded SunUtions, a startup focused on the development of innovative solar solutions and has since used his experience to impact more startups and further develop the entrepreneurial scene in Egypt.

  Middle East and North Africa: Ahmed Abd-Elhamid (Egypt)
• University of Glasgow; Chevening scholar

  With a clear vision of advancing the clean energy transition Eunice co-founded African Sun Energy. It has grown from a small, self-funded business into three companies in Botswana, Malawi and Zambia, delivering clean energy services to communities and commercial clients. Alongside that, Eunice is leading the skills training, empowering women and fostering employment opportunities. Over 50 percent of their staff are women. Eunice’s ambition is to connect a further 660 million Africans with transformative new clean energy services.

  Sub-Saharan Africa: Eunice Ntobedzi Hanna (Botswana)
• University of Manchester

  Founder of NexVitro Biologics, Dr. Tramontina is revolutionising molecular diagnostics in South America. His efforts have significantly empowered researchers and established him as a leader in Brazil’s circular economy. Nominations include ‘Innovator Scientist of the Year’ by the Brazilian National Confederation of Industry and as one of Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service’s top future startups. He continues to drive biotechnological advancement in Latin America, focusing on leveraging reginal biodiversity and resources for sustainable bio economic growth.

  Americas: Dr. Robson Tramontina (Brazil)
• Cardiff University (Prifysgol Caerdydd)

  Konstantinos is the co-founder of Blink, a budgeting app for university students that offers personalised advice powered by Artificial Intelligence. The app aims to reduce financial stress and improve mental health. He has been recognised for his work by the National Bank of Greece for developing a white label app for banks and has also featured in ‘Forbes 30 Under 30 Greece’. He plans to expand his AI financial tools solution for young adults throughout Europe.

  Europe: Konstantinos Kousouris (Greece)
• King's College London; Chevening scholar

  Mustafa is driven by a vision to revolutionise global access to dental care through his innovative startup, SMILAB. By leveraging state-of-the-art technology, SMILAB connects dentists worldwide with international experts, facilitating treatment consultations and streamlined procurement of essential medical devices. This not only improves treatment precision but also reduces treatment time, ensuring optimal patient outcomes. SMILAB has been recognised by the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, granting them a space in their acceleration hub.

  Wider Europe: Mustafa Özsoy (Turkey)
• University of Cambridge

  Ryan is a passionate healthcare professional, company director, physiotherapist, and entrepreneur. He’s twice been named among Australia’s top 30 Entrepreneurs under the Age of 30. He is the founder and CEO of investment fund, Innings, and Director of healthcare company, Health 2 You. He works to reframe aged care into later living enabling people to continue it in their own homes and communities, with the aim of enhancing the quality of life of people in their later years.

  East Asia: Ryan Ebert (Australia)