The prestigious accolade, which includes a £75,000 grant and tailored business support, celebrates trailblazing women driving pioneering solutions to key societal, environmental, and economic challenges.
Based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, Circadacare is at the forefront of care technology, developing solutions that enhance the quality of life for older adults and those with cognitive impairments. Founded in 2020, the company initially provided circadian lighting technology to care homes - a system proven to regulate sleep patterns, improve daytime engagement, and reduce falls among elderly residents.
Today, Circadacare has evolved its offering into a plug-and-play circadian lighting solution that seamlessly integrates into independent living environments, helping individuals remain in their homes longer and reducing the strain on care systems.
Bush, who transitioned from a career in neuroscience and computational modelling into the technology sector, has played a pivotal role in leading Circadacare’s R&D efforts, working to integrate AI-powered sensors with the goal of combining health monitoring, environmental adaptation, and advanced data analytics in a single, discreet device.
Winning the Women in Innovation Award marks a significant milestone for both Bush and Circadacare. The funding and business support will accelerate research and development, supporting the expansion of AI-driven health monitoring technologies embedded in Circadacare’s solutions. The award also brings increased visibility, opening doors for new collaborations, investment opportunities, and further innovation in the sector.
Bush said: "This recognition is incredibly validating - not just for me, but for our entire team. It highlights the importance of what we’re doing and how our innovations can positively impact lives. More than just a personal achievement, this award fuels our ability to continue developing cutting-edge solutions that make independent living safer and more accessible.”
Bush added: "the business world has grown up around male innovators. Women can often communicate and think differently, and we shouldn’t be afraid to bring our unique perspectives into innovation. This award, and the wider support networks available, are key to ensuring more women can lead groundbreaking companies in the future."
The Internet of Caring Things® (IoCT™) programme, also based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, has played a pivotal role in supporting Circadacare’s journey. From early-stage concept development to market readiness, IoCT™ provided valuable stakeholder engagement opportunities, expert guidance, and access to a thriving innovation community. The relationship between Circadacare and IoCT™ has helped shape the company’s strategic direction and facilitated connections with other pioneering organisations in the region.
Jennine Jonczyk, Programme Lead at IoCT™, commented: "We are incredibly proud to see Tallie receive this well-deserved recognition. Circadacare’s technology has the potential to transform care environments, and IoCT™ has been privileged to support their journey from concept to commercialisation. This award reflects the impact that women-led innovation is having in the UK, and we are excited to see what’s next for Circadacare.”
Building on their longstanding relationship, Circadacare is now targeting a further bespoke project with IoCT™ in the coming months. This collaboration will focus on enhancing the AI-driven capabilities of Circadacare’s technology, expanding real-world testing, and deepening insights into user engagement. The project aims to accelerate product refinement, ensuring that Circadacare’s next-generation care solutions align closely with the needs of independent living users, care providers, and local authorities.
With the Women in Innovation Award propelling Circadacare forward, the company is poised to continue revolutionising care technology, improving independent living, and ensuring that more people can age with dignity and confidence.