The ’Top21’ standout individuals, game-changing companies and world-leading innovations from across Cambridge and our region were revealed at the sixth annual #21toWatch awards, and two of those ‘Top21’ are recently-appointed E-Lab College Research Associates Nadia Mohd-Radzman and Ismail Sami.
Nadia is the co-founder of a start-up that accelerates genetic improvements in challenging legume crops and Ismail is the CEO and co-founder of Molyon, a start-up developing high-energy density lithium-sulfur batteries to open up new modes of transport and facilitate the net-zero transition. At last week’s ceremony they both made a 60-second elevator pitch style speech before an audience of business leaders and figures from the world of science and technology.
On receiving the award, Nadia Mohd-Radzman said:
I'm honoured to be chosen as the winner for the "People" category for this year's #21towatch and very grateful for the opportunity to pitch at the event about the technology that I'm currently building for my start-up. The technology allows all kind of plant species to be improved faster and cheaper using plant peptides – this opens up the bottleneck of plant biotechnology and ultimately can improve our food security in the midst of climate change. I'm so glad that I'm part of the E-Lab community that supports my vision in building this venture! It is also great to know that my fellow E-Lab CRAs are also winners of the award too.
Ismail Sami added:
I'm very grateful for the recognition and to be part of the vibrant E-Lab community at King's to propel our venture forward.
In the last five years #21toWatch has recognised and promoted more than 1,700 game-changing start-ups, innovations and individuals. Coco Newton, who was also recently appointed E-Lab CRA, received a #21toWatch award in 2023.
Read more about the current E-Lab Research Associates here.
Find out more about the #21toWatch recognised at last week's ceremony in the Cambridge Independent.
