Dr Victoria Kroll, founder of NTU spin-out Esitu, has been honoured with a prestigious Purple Plaque from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

The Purple Plaque, part of the Women in Innovation Awards, recognises the achievements of women leading ground-breaking innovations and aims to inspire future generations of women and girls in STEM.

A Special Celebration at the Dryden Enterprise Centre

To mark this incredible achievement, a special plaque unveiling event was held at the Dryden Enterprise Centre, with NTU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, Professor Sarah Speight, in attendance. The event brought together members of the NTU community, supporters of Esitu, and advocates for women in innovation, highlighting the university’s ongoing commitment to entrepreneurship, research, and real-world impact.

UKRI Purple Plaque Unveiling

Pioneering Innovation at NTU

Dr Kroll’s work with Esitu is a shining example of NTU’s commitment to turning ground-breaking ideas into real-world solutions. With the support of NTU’s Paul Condliffe and the Intellectual Property team, Esitu is pushing boundaries and making an impact. The £50,000 funding and bespoke mentoring from UKRI will help drive the company’s next stage of growth, ensuring that Dr Kroll’s innovative research reaches its full potential.

Inspiring Future Innovators

Reflecting on the award, Dr Kroll said:

“It’s an honour to be recognised as part of the Women in Innovation Awards and to have Esitu’s work celebrated in this way. Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support from NTU, UKRI, and the wider innovation community. My hope is that this Purple Plaque serves as a lasting inspiration for women and girls in STEM—showing that with the right support, your ideas can become reality.”

A Celebration of Entrepreneurship

The Dryden Enterprise Centre is proud to be part of a university that champions innovation, supports female entrepreneurs, and nurtures ideas with the power to change industries. Dr Kroll’s success is proof that NTU is a hub of enterprise and innovation, where research transforms into real-world impact.