Southampton Solent University unveils purple plaque to celebrate alumna and Innovate UK Women in Innovation award-winner, Louise Ben-Nathan

After graduating in 1998, Louise spent almost two decades thriving as a freelancer in the film and television industry before a cancer diagnosis changed her course. In remission, Louise began to question approaches to women’s healthcare, in particular cervical screening. It was then that she decided to take action and develop a new way to approach this procedure that would encourage more women to attend their screenings.

To achieve this goal, Louise set up LBN Innovations – an organisation committed to giving women a better patient and gynaecological experience. In recognition of this work, Louise is an Innovate UK 2024/25 Women in Innovation winner, joining a network of more than 200 winners who are responding to today’s most urgent challenges.

Innovate UK launched Women in Innovation in 2016 in response to the limited number of applications for support being submitted by women. Supporting the innovative and essential ideas of women across the UK, this programme enables these ideas to become reality.

As a recipient of this coveted award, Louise was given a purple plaque, which she has gifted to Solent University to not only celebrate her success but inspire current and incoming students for years to come. On her return to Solent, Louise says:

“It’s really exciting seeing how much the University has changed since I was last here. Looking back, if you had told me that I would be returning to celebrate winning an award in innovation, I don’t think I would have believed you. It’s fantastic, however, to have this opportunity to celebrate, especially with some of the friends I met here.”

During the event, Louise met the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor James Knowles, toured Solent’s industry-standard film and television studios, and took part in a Q&A with students. Considering the role Solent has played in shaping her journey, from film to nationally-recognised innovator, Louise says:

“While I was at university, I gained a lot of experience on film and television sets. The course highlighted how important it is to be able to work as part of a team, and having the opportunity to work across different roles as a student gave me a healthy appreciation for every department when I undertook more professional jobs.

“Solent has such a strong reputation, including in science, technology, engineering and math's (STEM), and having transitioned from one field to another, I want other every student to know that the future is what you make it – and it’s malleable.”

Passionate about delivering high-quality technical education both as a provider of higher education and lead partner of the South Coast Institute of Technology, Solent is proud to unveil the Innovate UK purple plaque – which takes pride of place at the very heart of campus in The Spark – and inspire women carving out their own paths in these fields.

Pro Vice-Chancellor Research, Academic Strategy and Planning, Cathy Barnes says:

“Encouraging students with a diversity of experiences to pursue their goals is something we are committed to at Solent, as well as breaking down barriers to higher education. Welcoming Louise back to campus, and showcasing her incredible success, has been an honour.

“I know that Louise’s plaque will plant a seed of inspiration for our students each time they pass it, reminding them that with the backing of a university like ours, they can go on to do great things.”

Recipients of the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award also sees recipients receive up to £75,000 grant funding and a 12-month package of support to scale up their businesses and bring their pioneering innovations to market.

As part of Solent’s alumni community, which boasts more than 100,000 members, Louise is showcasing what is possible when you combine a strong foundation of higher education with unwavering commitment to a goal. And when it comes to the future? Louise says:

“I’ve found that less than 3% of venture capital funding goes to all-female-founded teams. This feels like a very familiar battle from my early days in the film industry, and one that will take grit and determination to break down for those following behind me. Watch this space.”