Vodafone Business’ Women of the Year Innovation Award was today awarded to Beren Kayali at the Women of the Year Lunch & Awards for her groundbreaking work tackling access to water in the developing world.
Kayali is the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Wales-based Deploy Tech (Deploy) – the first company to produce an air-deployable, ready-to-use water tank which addresses global water access challenges.
Deploy Tech’s flat-backed water storage units can be folded, packaged and shipped anywhere in the world – a feature never seen before in the sector. The units can then be assembled and ready to use in 24 hours, enabling rural and deprived areas to access clean drinking water and sanitation affordably.
The award follows her work to help people in Turkey and Syria following the devasting earthquakes in 2023. Kayali posted a video online stating that she had three water tanks available for people affected. After 28 million views, and with the help of 250 volunteers, Deploy sent 15 tanks to affected areas, with each holding 14,000 litres of water.
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With a background in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in Innovation Design Engineering from a joint Imperial College London and Royal College of Art programme, Kayali is a hands-on engineer with a passion for making a difference.
Her inspiration for launching Deploy Tech stemmed from a life-changing experience in Nairobi. During her visit to some of the world’s largest slums, she witnessed firsthand the devasting lack of access to clean water.
From this experience, Kayali worked towards developing a new innovative water storage solution. This led to the creation of a ready-to-use water tank made from concrete-filled fabric, capable of being deployed and operational within just 24 hours.
Under her leadership, Deploy Tech has expanded its applications to include farming, rainwater harvesting, irrigation and livestock feeding. Kayali’s work drives technological change to address the climate challenges faced in the UK and beyond.
Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, the Women of the Year Lunch and Awards continues to honour exceptional women from around the globe.
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Beren Kayali, co-founder, Deploy Tech, said:
“I am really, really honoured and amazed to be recognised. Running a start-up is a huge roller coaster and exhausting, both mentally and physically. Winning an award like this feels like you have an invisible angel saying: ‘I’m here with you. Don’t worry. What you’re doing is not unseen.’”
Miryem Salah, Chief Data Officer and Director of Vodafone Business IT Hubs, Digital & Transformation, Vodafone UK, said: “We are delighted to present Beren with our Vodafone Women of Innovation Award.
“She really embodies the spirit of innovation for good and has used her technical expertise to create a system that could change the provision of water in hard-to-reach places, truly showing the impact that small businesses can have across the world.
“We are really proud to support these awards and it is an honour to spend an afternoon with a group of incredible women who are inspiring role models for future generations.”
Lady Louise Vaughan, Chair of Women of the Year, said: “We are thrilled to present Beren with the Vodafone Business Women of the Year Innovation Award. Her pioneering approach to solving global water access issues through innovative design is both inspiring and impactful.
“The quality of nominees in this category was exceptional, and it was a privilege to witness the work of such talented women. Beren’s leadership and dedication make her an outstanding role model for future female innovators and entrepreneurs.”
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Notes to Editors
Interviews are available upon request.
Please email womenoftheyear@pagefield.co.uk or call 0203 327 4109 to arrange.
About Women of the Year
As the original women’s networking event, Women of the Year has brought together a powerful community of remarkable women for 70 years. Striving to inspire and empower women, whilst championing those making a difference to others. Our annual Lunch and Awards celebrates and shines a spotlight on extraordinary women from all walks of life.
A non-profit organisation, Women of the Year is run by a dedicated committee of volunteers, whose aim is to continue the legacy of founder Tony Lothian by recognising, celebrating, and advancing the achievements of women throughout the United Kingdom and around the world.
