Five years of AJ Bell Prize marked with celebration event

Celebrating a remarkable commitment to rewarding our students, the small celebration event also marked 5 years of giving from AJ Bell.

With a commitment to celebrating talent in the field of technology, the AJ Bell Technology Award recognises the top-performing students in Computer Science and Software Engineering, providing them with valuable insights and advice in the world of technology.

The award aims to support and drive the next generation of tech leaders and allows students to engage with industry professionals as part of the university’s partnership with AJ Bell.

Professor Mo Saraee, Director of Computer Science at the University of Salford, said: “I would like to express my sincere appreciation to AJ Bell for their remarkable support of our students over the past five years. Your generosity has made a real difference — recognising and encouraging our top talent, and giving them meaningful opportunities to connect with industry. Partnerships like this are truly transformative, and I want to thank you for your continued commitment to helping us nurture the next generation of tech leaders.”

This year’s award winners were:

• Daniela, BSc Computer Science with Cyber Security at Level 4
• Sulaiman, BSc Computer Science with Cyber Security at Level 5
• Zainab, BSc Software Engineering at Level 6

Zainab, Level 6 winner of the award, said: “Winning this prize means a great deal to me, especially as a woman coming into tech without an initial technical background. It’s a reminder that hard work, persistence and passion really do pay off. Being recognised in this way has boosted my confidence and encouraged me to push even further in my career.

“The event was a wonderful experience. I had the opportunity to meet the Chief Technology Officer of AJ Bell, who shared valuable advice and insights that I truly appreciated. It was inspiring to be surrounded by people who recognise and celebrate the effort students put into their studies. Overall, it was a memorable and motivating evening.”

In the past few years, AJ Bell has generously supported more than 15 individual STEM students at undergraduate level across Computer Science and Software Engineering.

After congratulating our students on their incredible academic achievements with the prize-giving, the winners visited AJ Bell’s offices for a guided tour.

Daniela said: “Receiving this prize meant that my hard work and dedication were recognised. I feel delighted for receiving the AJ Bell Technology Award, and it has motivated me to continue to excel in my studies and be more confident!”

Sulaiman said: “This award showed me that with focus and hard work, things I once thought impossible can happen. I’m grateful for the event and the recognition of my grades.”

Also present at the event was Mo Tagari, Chief Technology Officer at AJ Bell, alongside his colleagues.

He said: “I am continually inspired by the passion and determination shown by these outstanding students. The AJ Bell Technology Award is about more than academic excellence, it’s about nurturing the next generation of innovators who will shape the future of our industry within the region.

“We are proud of our partnership with the University of Salford and to support and celebrate exceptional students, and I look forward to seeing how this year’s winners will drive positive change in technology and beyond. Congratulations to all the recipients, your achievements are a testament to what’s possible when talent meets opportunity.”