Nuclear technology pioneer joins The Novi Awards, championing female leadership driving the future of clean energy.
The Novi Awards is delighted to announce that Rolls-Royce SMR, the company behind the UK’s first domestic nuclear technology in over a generation, is joining as the official sponsor of the Engineering Excellence category at The Novi Awards 2026. This marks the first time Rolls-Royce SMR has partnered with The Novi Awards, bringing together two organisations committed to recognising bold, transformative engineering talent at a pivotal moment for the global energy transition.
Championing Engineering Excellence
The Novi Awards, now in its 16th year, honours the impact of female leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship in business. The Engineering Excellence category specifically recognises women whose technical expertise, problem-solving, and engineering innovation have delivered outstanding results for their organisations, industries, or communities.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rolls-Royce SMR to The Novi Awards family. At a time when the energy sector is being reshaped by bold engineering and even bolder leadership, having a company at the forefront of that change stand behind our Engineering Excellence category sends a powerful signal. This is exactly the calibre of partner we want supporting the women we celebrate.”
Aligned Values, Shared Vision
Rolls-Royce SMR’s sponsorship reflects a shared belief that diverse engineering talent is essential to solving the world’s biggest challenges. As the company leading the UK’s first new domestic nuclear technology in more than two decades, Rolls-Royce SMR is building a workforce of engineers and technical experts equipped to deliver large-scale, complex programmes for generations to come. Diverse perspectives and engineering excellence sit at the heart of that ambition, making the company a natural fit for a category dedicated to celebrating outstanding technical achievement.
“Rolls-Royce SMR’s arrival as a first-time sponsor of this category reinforces the importance of recognising women who are not just excelling in engineering, but fundamentally advancing the way industries solve technical challenges,” added Griselda Togobo. “Their support helps us amplify the stories of extraordinary female engineers and male allies who are reshaping industries and inspiring the next generation.”
Celebrating Excellence in Engineering
The Novi Awards bring together visionary female business leaders, innovative founders, strategic investors, and committed allies to spark change, fuel growth, and reshape industries. Engineering Excellence category seeks to honour women who have:
- Delivered exceptional engineering projects or solutions
- Demonstrated outstanding technical expertise and innovation
- Held a senior engineering role within their organisation
- Served as a role model for women in a traditionally male-dominated field
A Platform for Change
The 2026 Novi Awards ceremony and leadership summit will take place on 20th November 2026, providing a powerful platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and celebrating achievement. The event goes beyond traditional awards ceremonies to create meaningful opportunities for dialogue and collaboration among extraordinary leaders.
“Welcoming Rolls-Royce SMR as a first-time sponsor allows us to further our mission of providing exceptional female engineers with the recognition and visibility they need to inspire others,” concluded Griselda Togobo, CEO at The Novi Awards. “The Novi Awards represent more than recognition – they are a catalyst for continued progress, and new partnerships like this help us create even greater impact year on year.”
About Rolls-Royce SMR
Rolls-Royce SMR is developing a radically new approach to deploying proven nuclear technology, economically and efficiently, to meet a global need for reliable, secure, and affordable power. Facing a worldwide energy emergency driven by rising prices, supply instability, and ageing nuclear infrastructure, Rolls-Royce SMR has designed its Small Modular Reactor specifically to avoid the cost and schedule challenges that have impacted large-scale nuclear projects in recent years. Through a unique factory-built approach, approximately 90% of each plant is fabricated, tested, and delivered to site as modules, then assembled and commissioned by the Rolls-Royce SMR team, reducing project risk and increasing delivery certainty. Rolls-Royce SMR helps countries decarbonise industry, strengthen energy security, and meet net zero commitments at every stage of deployment.
To learn more, visit: www.rolls-royce-smr.com
About The Novi Awards
The Novi Awards is the UK’s premier programme championing women breaking barriers across industries. Now in its 16th year, the awards honour exceptional female leadership, recognising the audacious ones, the innovative transformational leaders, and the game changers who are transforming businesses, communities, and industries.
Learn more about the Novi Engineering Excellence Award and the inspiring women it celebrates.
For media enquiries, please contact:
The Novi Awards
[email protected]
Website: www.thenoviawards.com
For information about Rolls-Royce SMR:
[email protected]
This press release is issued by The Novi Awards in connection with Rolls-Royce SMR’s sponsorship of The Novi Awards 2026
