A Bristol start-up that has developed technology to allow vaccines and other biological materials to be transported and stored without the use of fridges has been recognised at a national awards.

Ensilitech - a University of Bath spinout founded by Dr Asel Sartbaeva and Dr Aswin Doekhie - was named MedTech and HealthTech Startup of the Year at the 海角视频 Startup Awards 2025.

The category celebrates innovative start-up businesses focused on improving and revolutionising healthcare through cutting-edge technology.

According to EnsiliTech, which is based at Science Creates in St Philips, its tech can "preserve the integrity" of vaccines and other biological materials at temperatures that range from -20C to +80C.

Biological products are currently shipped and stored using a 50-year-old global network of refrigerators and freezers known as the 鈥榗old chain'. According to the World Health Organisation (Who), around 50% of vaccines spoil and must be discarded as a result of the network's failures.

EnsiliTech's special Ensilication platform is a patented technology that protects biopharmaceuticals from heat damage by encasing them in a tailored silica shell, removing the reliance on cold-chain infrastructure.

The technology was recognised for helping to sustainably improve access to life-saving treatments worldwide, particularly in regions where refrigeration is unreliable.

鈥淲e鈥檙e honoured to receive this national award, which validates our mission to unlock access to vital therapies and improve global health outcomes,鈥 said Dr Sartbaeva, EnsiliTech co-founder and chief executive.

鈥淭his recognition shines a spotlight on our team鈥檚 dedication and the transformative potential of Ensilication.鈥

The Startup of the Year Awards were created to shine a spotlight on the trailblazing entrepreneurs who are driving innovation, creating jobs, and shaping the future of the 海角视频鈥檚 economy.