A&B Smart Materials Wins the 2025 TBAT Innovation Challenge
The Innovation Challenge, powered by TBAT and supported by Headline Sponsor Shakespeare Martineau and Platinum Sponsor Barclays Eagle Labs, champions innovation among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The nine-month programme provides both financial and business support to help transformative ideas and products reach market.
On 15th October 2025, TBAT Innovation hosted its Finalist Showcase at Renaissance at Kelham Hall, Nottinghamshire, where ten exceptional companies presented their innovations to a panel of judges, investors, sponsors and leading industry experts. The event not only celebrated outstanding ideas but also created a platform for collaboration, mentorship and investment to help early-stage businesses scale.
A&B Smart Materials secured first place with their mission to replace synthetic superabsorbent polymers with sustainable, bio-based alternatives for use in hygiene and agriculture. Their vision aims to disrupt a $9 billion market through scalable, capital-light licensing.
“We are absolutely thrilled and honoured to have won the TBAT Innovation Challenge this year! It was a fantastic evening at the Renaissance in Newark, with many amazing founders and companies who support this crucial startup ecosystem,” said Dr Benjamin White, CTO & Co-Founder of A&B Smart Materials.
“This support from TBAT and their partners will be vital to A&B over the next few months as we refine our environmentally friendly polymers and scale up production on the way to commercialisation.”
As this year’s winners, A&B Smart Materials will receive a comprehensive support package valued at £90,000, including a £10,000 cash prize. The remaining £80,000 in tailored business support will be shared with the two runners-up, Nafura Advanced Technologies and Snowball, to address their specific growth needs.
Nafura Advanced Technologies is transforming industrial wastewater treatment through scalable plasma technology that delivers fast, cost-effective results at an industrial scale while significantly reducing environmental impact and operational costs.
Snowball is behind the world’s largest accessibility app, helping people find, rate and share accessible places. The platform promotes inclusivity by redefining accessibility beyond compliance, focusing on creating welcoming spaces where everyone can participate fully.
TBAT Innovation also recognised Boost Innovations, winners of both the Design Award (sponsored by OPD) and the Audience Winner Award (sponsored by Charnwood Campus). Boost Innovations is redefining traditional breast prostheses with lightweight, breathable and eco-conscious designs that prioritise comfort and confidence for wearers.
Sam Stephens, Commercial Director at TBAT Innovation, praised the quality of this year’s entries:
“It is always inspiring to see the passion and innovation that SMEs bring to the table. The Finalist Showcase celebrates their achievements, and we are proud to be part of a platform that supports the SME community and helps them move forward.”Roger Harcourt, Partner and Head of Office at Shakespeare Martineau, added:
“This year’s participants have shown remarkable creativity and drive. It is a privilege to collaborate with TBAT Innovation and champion these SMEs as they develop meaningful solutions and shape the future of their industries.”
For further information on the TBAT Innovation Challenge, visit www.tbat.co.uk.
Photo: Winner of The Innovation Challenge, A&B Smart Materials
Dr. Benjamin White of A&B Smart Materials with Ryan Mouncy, MD of TBAT Innovation and Sam Stephens, Commercial Director of TBAT Innovation
Taken By: Peter Nutkins – Nutkins UK Corporate Photography https://www.nutkins.uk/
Article written by Medilink Midlands Patron.