Unit 9 tenant NovNat Tech celebrates further milestone

NovNat Tech, the visionary Birmingham start-up that is developing a novel technology to generate water out of air, is celebrating a significant milestone as it moves into larger premises to accommodate its growing success.

The team is not moving far. Their new laboratory, which has more room for prototyping facilities and collaborative workspace, is also at Birmingham Research Park, and will provide NovNat with the space needed to expand their research and development capabilities.

The company has developed quickly since its inception and reaped the benefits from a translational ecosystem which provides surround-sound support for Birmingham innovators.

NovNat’s co-founders Abdulbari Belouafi, Kamal Diab and Ibrahim Albaik originally met as graduate researchers before developing their novel technology. They attended the B-Enterprising Elevate programme, an incubator and business growth programme for University of Birmingham student and graduate start-ups, where they received advice and mentoring.

Following this they moved into Unit 9, where they received further support including access to research facilities, mentoring and networking opportunities. The company secured funding from Innovate UK while at Unit 9.

As part of the Birmingham Research Park community, NovNat will continue to benefit from access to the knowledge base and facilities at the University.

Abdulbari, CEO of NovNat said: “Being part of the Birmingham Research Park community is immensely rewarding. It's a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship, where ideas are nurtured, and collaborations flourish. We're grateful for the connections we've made and the opportunities for growth and learning that being part of this community provides.”

Angie Reynolds, COO at University of Birmingham Enterprise, which runs the Birmingham Research Park said: “It’s great that innovators can stay within Birmingham, and I’m delighted to see NovNat Tech’s growth story continuing here at Birmingham Research Park, where we have a range of landing and grow-on spaces, and a thriving community.”

Abdulbari added: “Being in our new space fills me with a sense of excitement and possibility. It's not just about the physical infrastructure, it's about the opportunities it represents for growth and impact. I'm looking forward to seeing our team thrive in this environment, pushing the boundaries of what's possible and realizing our vision for a world where water is accessible to all.”