Zyfex, a start-up company based at Norwich Research Park that has developed a natural antimicrobial solution for the seafood and food industry, was named as the winner in the Outstanding Commercialisation of Research category at the UEA’s 2026 Innovation and Impact Awards, at a ceremony held on Wednesday 20 May at The Enterprise Centre.
The category’s finalists covered sectors from biotech breakthroughs through to digital education, showcasing real transformative innovation.
Fresh fish is a vital global food source; but it’s also highly perishable. Between 2012 and 2024, contaminated fish led to 73 cases of listeriosis and 14 deaths in Europe. Zyfex has developed a natural antimicrobial wash as an alternative to the use of synthetic chemicals. Unlike traditional disinfectants, the Zyfex wash can be applied directly to fish and inside packaging, extending shelf life by up to seven days, improving food safety and reducing waste across the UK’s chilled supply chains.
Zyfex’s Dr Yan Fen Lee, said, “I am overwhelmed to win a UEA Innovation and Impact Award. A million thanks to all the people who I am working with and a big thank you to UEA for recognising our work.”
Another start-up company Virilitas Labs, a spin-out of research conducted at UEA by Prof Simone Immler and Dr Daniel Marcu, was also a finalist in the category. Virilitas Labs has developed an app, the first of its kind, to deal with the issues and challenges surrounding male fertility and reproductive health and the team is working on launching an at home diagnostic device. Read more about this year’s winners and finalists, or watch their films on the UEA for Business YouTube channel.
The Innovation and Impact Awards recognise outstanding achievements that demonstrate how research and ideas can be transformed into solutions that address global challenges, support economic growth and enrich communities.
The evening brought together guests from across academia, industry and the wider community. An exhibition of shortlisted projects was showcased throughout The Enterprise Centre, providing guests with an opportunity to explore the breadth and depth of pioneering work taking place at UEA.
Dr Nicola Hancock opened the proceedings, welcoming guests and reflecting on the importance of fostering innovation across the East of England. She emphasised the value of strong partnerships in driving progress, noting how collaboration between the university and its external partners continues to unlock new opportunities and create tangible benefits for society.
A highlight of the evening was a speech from UEA Chancellor Dame Jenny Abramsky. Drawing on her distinguished career at the BBC, Dame Abramsky shared personal insights on innovation and pushing boundaries, as well as reflections on her time at UEA.
She said: “The Innovation and Impact Awards celebrate what we do at our very best, using creativity, research and expertise to make a meaningful difference in the world. I am inspired by the breadth of talent across UEA’s community and by the determination of our staff, students and graduates to ensure that their work reaches far beyond our campus.”
