UK: Bionema Receives the King’s Award for Enterprise – Innovation 2024
Mrs. Louise Fleet CStJ, JP, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of West Glamorgan, officially presented the King’s Award for Enterprise-Innovation to Dr. Minshad Ansari, CEO and Founder of Bionema Group.
Bionema Group Ltd., a pioneering UK biocontrol technology company, has been awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise – Innovation 2024, recognizing its world-leading innovations in sustainable crop protection and soil regeneration.
The prestigious award was formally presented by Mrs. Louise Fleet CStJ, JP, His Majesty The King’s Lord-Lieutenant for West Glamorgan, acting as the personal representative of His Majesty King Charles III, during a grand ceremony held on 15 May 2025 at The Guildhall, Swansea.
“This once-in-a-lifetime honor highlights the global impact of Bionema’s nature-based innovations,” said Dr. Minshad Ansari, Founder and CEO of Bionema. “We are proud to lead a movement away from harmful chemicals and toward a more regenerative, sustainable future in farming.”
Why Bionema Was Selected
- Innovative Technology: Patented NemaTrident, a tri-component nematode-based bioinsecticide system with a biocompatible wetting agent—acquired by Syngenta in 2021.
- Environmental Impact: Zero residue, safe for non-target species, and free from pesticide resistance, supporting biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.
- Commercial Growth: 1,882% export growth, 105% increase in total sales, and 62% of turnover driven by innovation.
- Customer Success Model: Integrated technical training and support to ensure optimal field performance.
- ESG Leadership: Proven alignment with sustainability goals and environmental stewardship.
Royal Recognition at Windsor Castle
In July 2024, Dr. Ansari was invited to Windsor Castle, where he met His Majesty The King and shared insights into Bionema’s microbial innovations. This rare honor underscored the national significance of Bionema’s leadership in advancing nature-based crop protection.
Award Celebration – The Guildhall, Swansea | 15 May 2025
The formal award ceremony gathered over 70 distinguished guests, including:
- Mrs. Louise Fleet CStJ, JP – HM Lord-Lieutenant of West Glamorgan.
- Mrs. Diana Stroia, High Sheriff of West Glamorgan, and Mr. Dave Matthews.
- Cllr. Paxton Hood-Williams, Lord Mayor of Swansea, and Lady Mayoress Patricia Hood-Williams.
- Cllr. Wayne Carpenter, Mayor of Neath Port Talbot, and Mayoress Carol Carpenter.
- Prof. David Smith, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University.
Representatives from Swansea University, Innovate UK, UK Agri-Tech Centres, and regional leaders in science, government, and business
Keynote speakers:
- Prof. Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, Chairman of Bionema
- Dr. Minshad Ansari, Founder and CEO
- Stephen Ford, Chief Technology Officer
“This is a proud day for UK science and sustainability,” added Stephen Ford, Bionema’s CTO.
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