Vodafone Business’ Women of the Year Innovation Award has been awarded to Beren Kayali for her groundbreaking work tackling access to water in the developing world.
Kayali is the co-founder and CTO of Wales-based Deploy Tech, the first company to produce an air-deployable, ready-to-use water tank which addresses global water access challenges.
Deploy’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 recover from the devastating earthquakes in 2023. After posting a video online stating that she had three water tanks available for those affected, it accrued 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.
Her inspiration for launching Deploy stemmed from a visit to some of the world’s largest slums in Kenyan capital Nairobi. Under her leadership, Deploy Tech has expanded its applications to include farming, rainwater harvesting, irrigation and livestock feeding.
Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, the Women of the Year Lunch and Awards continues to honour exceptional women from around the globe.
“I am really, really honoured and amazed to be recognised,” said Kayali. “Running a startup is a huge rollercoaster 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.’”
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.”