UK: Bionema receives the King’s Award for Enterprise – Innovation 2024

Bionema Group has been awarded the King's Award for Enterprise – Innovation 2024 for its work in sustainable crop protection and soil regeneration.

The 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."

© BionemaMrs. 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 was selected for its innovative technology, particularly its patented NemaTrident®, a tri-component nematode-based bioinsecticide system that includes a biocompatible wetting agent, which was acquired by Syngenta in 2021. This technology highlights Bionema's commitment to reducing environmental impact, as it leaves zero residue, is safe for non-target species, and mitigates the risk of pesticide resistance, thereby promoting biodiversity and maintaining healthy ecosystems. The company's commercial growth is evidenced by an impressive 1,882% increase in export growth, a 105% rise in total sales, and the fact that 62% of its turnover is driven by innovation. Bionema's customer success model integrates technical training and support, ensuring optimal field performance for its users. Furthermore, the company's leadership in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues is demonstrated through its 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.

The Award Celebration took place at The Guildhall in Swansea on 15 May 2025, bringing together over 70 distinguished guests for the formal ceremony. Notable attendees included Mrs. Louise Fleet CStJ, JP, the HM Lord-Lieutenant of West Glamorgan; Mrs. Diana Stroia, High Sheriff of West Glamorgan, accompanied by Mr. Dave Matthews; Cllr. Paxton Hood-Williams, the Lord Mayor of Swansea, and Lady Mayoress Patricia Hood-Williams; and Cllr. Wayne Carpenter, the Mayor of Neath Port Talbot, along with Mayoress Carol Carpenter. In addition, Prof. David Smith, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Swansea University, was present. The event also welcomed representatives from Swansea University, Innovate UK, UK Agri-Tech Centres, and various regional leaders in science, government, and business, highlighting the diverse and influential crowd that gathered to celebrate this momentous occasion.

"This is a proud day for UK science and sustainability," added Stephen Ford, Bionema's CTO.