The maker and supplier of reusable incontinence pads for exercising women was tonight named “New Innovator of the Year” at the 2025 Innovation Awards.
DriRun, based in London, received the prestigious accolade, after a year-long process of voting and judging, at a finale awards dinner attended by 500 people at Eastside Rooms in Birmingham.
‘Bladder leaks affect one in three women’
Laura Sparkes, founder of DriRun, reacting to news of the win, said: “I’m over the moon. This isn’t just about the innovation. It’s about starting a conversation that we don’t have enough.
“Bladder leaks affect one in three women, and it’s the biggest reason we stop exercising. And DriRun exists to change that.”
DriRun has developed reusable and reliable incontinence protection. For the first time, women can avoid toxic substances and skin damage from disposables and still benefit from high-absorbency protection.
The product’s patented design is both safe to tumble-dry and microwave-dry. Each pad prevents 90 disposables from reaching landfill. Validated through trials with England Athletics, DriRun launched version one to help 10 million women in the UK exercise with confidence.
Innovation Awards are open to individuals, businesses and organisations across the UK
Dr Richard Fallon, CEO of the Technology Supply Chain (TSC) membership organisation, which runs the annual Innovation Awards, said: “Congratulations to Jeremy Dale and the Birmingham City FC Foundation.
“We had more entries than ever before this year, and the competition for each category was stronger than it’s ever been.
“Each winner can be justifiably proud and can look forward to ongoing support from the 5,000-member TSC network as they chart their course to future success.”
The Innovation Awards recognise, celebrate and reward the businesses, organisations and individuals who are dedicated to innovation.
The awards are open to innovative individuals, businesses and organisations – including universities, local councils and catapults – based in the UK.
