I am still pinching myself as I write this, as I am absolutely overjoyed to share some incredible news that my Nanotechnology AI business, Nano Serendipity recently achieved a monumental milestone.

Recently, I entered the What’s the Big Idea competition hosted by Enterprise SU at Queen's University Belfast. This is a renowned platform that attracts hundreds of high-calibre applications all vying for a spot in the final showcase. To even be considered among such a talented pool of visionary entrepreneurs was an honour in itself, but the outcome of the night exceeded my wildest dreams.

Out of hundreds of entries, I am incredibly humbled to share that Nano Serendipity was selected as a Top Three Finalist in three major categories and a Final Winner in one category:

1. The Best Overall Business Idea (The flagship main category of the competition)
2. The Most Innovative Business Idea
3. The Best Business Idea from a Woman (WINNER)

It is a rare and deeply rewarding feeling to have your hard work scrutinised and recognised by three different panels of expert judges, each looking for different strengths, and to have all three find significant potential in your vision. I am beyond thrilled to win such a prestigious award, and being in the three most competitive categories is very special, as it’s a massive validation of our strengths. 

The highlight of the evening was when Kat Maguire, a distinguished judge and leader in the entrepreneurial space, announced Nano Serendipity as the WINNER of "The Best Business Idea from a Woman!" Winning this specific award means the world to me. As a woman in the Nanotechnology, AI, and STEM space, being recognised for leadership and innovation is a responsibility I don't take lightly. This win, along with sharing a portion of the generous £7,000 prize pot, provides a vital springboard for the next phase of our journey.

What is Nano Serendipity?

For those who are new to my journey, Nano Serendipity is a pioneer in the world of eco-friendly nanotechnology. We are dedicated to developing advanced nanocoatings and composites that provide long-lasting, cost-effective, energy-efficient, and most importantly sustainable solutions across a multitude of industries. Whether it’s enhancing material durability or reducing environmental footprints, we believe that small-scale science can solve global-scale problems. 

Nano Serendipity also won the Global award in "Best in Future of Industry Ecosystems" by the prestigious Global IDC Future Enterprise Awards, amongst 1000s of global applications. We are privileged to be invited to Harvard University for the Nanotechnology symposium; honoured to be invited by the USA Consul General for the USA-India Trade Mission; and privileged to be invited as a keynote speaker and presenter for the Global Family Office summit in the USA to address Nanotechnology and AI applications across umpteen industries.

We are happy to share that prestigious Fortune 500 clients like Taj Mahal Palace Hotels, Aditya Birla Science & Technology, Oberoi, Ramada, Swissotel, GMR Airport, The Fern Ecotel, and major global airports and renewable solar firms trust us, as we help reduce their carbon footprint and save energy.

Why is this achievement so personal and special?

What makes this achievement feel so personal is the journey that led to it. Standing on that stage, I wasn't just representing a business; I was representing years of curiosity, late nights of diligent work, and a belief that nanotechnology and AI could be the key to a greener planet. When my name was called, it was a pleasant moment of surprise, and the surge of gratitude I felt for my mentors and the Queen's community was overwhelming.

It’s one thing to have a vision in your head, but it’s another entirely to have industry leaders like Kat Maguire, Robbie Mulvenna-Jamison, and the teams at Kainos and Julie Andrews, Director at Ormeau Business Park, look at your work and say, "We believe in this.” My mother always says to seize the pleasant moments of achievements in memories and pictures.

A Heartfelt Thank You

An achievement like this doesn’t happen in a vacuum. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the sponsors of the prize pot, Ormeau Business Park and Kainos. Your commitment to fostering innovation and supporting startups is truly inspiring. The resources provided by this award will be directly reinvested into the research and development of our sustainable coating technologies. I also want to thank the team at Enterprise SU for organising such a seamless and empowering competition. To the judges, thank you for your time, your challenging questions, and for believing that a "Big Idea" in nanotechnology can change the world. We feel energised and empowered to scale.

To my supportive parents, mentors, friends, and the Queen's community: thank you for the endless encouragement. This win belongs to all of us who believe that the future of industry must be green, innovative, and inclusive. This is just the beginning for Nano Serendipity. We are more motivated than ever to push the boundaries of what’s possible in nanotechnology and AI. Stay tuned for more updates as we turn this Nanotechnology small science "Big Idea" into a magical global reality!

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Sanam Jain Artificial Intelligence in Business | Postgraduate Student | India Hello there! I’m Sanam, learning and established in AI, Emerging Technologies and Nanotechnology businesses. Personally, I am passionate about my love for content, food, music, dance, fitness, and exploring new places to travel. When I’m not learning, you’ll find me exploring the city, catching up with friends, and just dreaming big about life and goals! Blessed!