Bristol's Samantha Payne from Open Bionics wins at Bupa everywoman in Technology Awards

Sponsored by Howden, SSE, Accenture, HSBC, American Express amongst others, the awards have celebrated over 500 role models to inspire and attract women and young girls into STEM careers and close the gender gap within technology where women still only occupy 26% of roles and even fewer at senior levels.

These awards highlight the diverse, fulfilling, and exemplary careers that women can, and are having in technology. However, a study of the everywoman in Tech community, in collaboration with Bupa, found that for 39% of women working in technology, the female role model deficit was a top challenge in achieving their career ambitions, with entry-level women recognising this in equal measure to women who have made it to the C-suite

Maxine Benson MBE, Co-Founder of everywoman comments: “Role models serve not just as beacons of achievement, but also as tangible proof that success is attainable. Authentic role models provide the roadmap and the encouragement to navigate a successful career in an industry that needs diversity in all forms; thought, approach and lived experience. That’s’ why we need every one of these impressive finalists, and this year’s winners, to be seen and celebrated if we want to attract more female talent – now more than ever.”

Samantha Payne MBE, Chief Marketing Officer at Open Bionics, was awarded the Entrepreneur Award, sponsored by Howden.

With no prior engineering background, Samantha identified a gap in the market and co-founded Open Bionics, redefining perceptions and revolutionising prosthetic design, by creating life-changing bionic arms for people with limb differences.

The 3D printing has delivered 1,000+ custom prosthetics and generated over £4M in revenue. Her partnership with Disney, designing prosthetics featuring beloved characters, turns medical devices into empowering accessories. The judges loved her passion for wearable tech, her advocacy for working-class women in tech and her commitment to making a positive social impact.

Zazie Carter, CIO Group Functions & CIO Platforms & Internal Products BGIUK at Bupa, adds: “Congratulations to the winners of the Bupa everywoman in Technology Awards! You should all be immensely proud to be recognised among such a distinguished group of women. The nominations showcased a tremendous amount of talent, innovation and so many amazing achievements. At Bupa, we’re proud to support these awards that celebrate the success of women in technology today, as well as inspiring the female leaders of the future.”

The 2025 Bupa everywoman in Technology Awards ceremony and dinner welcomed over 600 technology leaders at The Westminster Park Plaza Hotel in London on the evening of March 13, after the annual everywoman in Technology Forum.

To find out more about the winners or to register your interest in next year’s awards, visit www.everywoman.com/techawards