We Are Finalists in the Smart Data Challenge Prize

Beyond Encryption is one of ten finalists in the UK Government’s Smart Data Challenge Prize.

Each finalist receives £50,000 in funding and access to a purpose-built synthetic Smart Data sandbox.

That gives teams a route to prototype real-world innovations that could change how consumers and businesses use data.

Smart Data Challenge Context

The Smart Data Challenge, launched by Challenge Works (Nesta) with support from NayaOne and the Department for Business and Trade, aims to open the next wave of data-powered services - in the same spirit as Open Banking did for finance.

The programme gives us a safe, secure space to test and develop our ideas using synthetic data covering 5,000 consumers and 100 small businesses across a year-long timeline.

It also lets us explore what a fully functional Smart Data ecosystem might look like in practice, and which barriers could slow adoption.

We are particularly interested in how this could help consumers navigating everyday choices, and the organisations that support them.

What We’re Building

We’ll be using this opportunity to develop Nigel, our AI-driven customer engagement platform.

Nigel helps organisations communicate directly with customers through highly personalised, secure digital channels - offering insights that make a real difference.

Using Smart Data, we want Nigel to help people save money, make better life decisions, and avoid common pitfalls when it comes to things like utilities, insurance, and mortgages.

For businesses, it means more relevant interactions, less cost, and deeper customer trust.

"This is a big moment for our team and our mission.

Smart Data has the potential to unlock enormous value for individuals and communities - and we’re here to show what’s possible when data is used responsibly, securely, and for good."

Paul Holland, Founder, Beyond Encryption

"The sandbox is where we test whether Nigel can turn complex household and small-business data into clear, practical next steps - without putting real customer data at risk."

Adam Byford, COO, Beyond Encryption (Mailock)

"Using synthetic data in the new Smart Data Sandbox, teams will be able to test their solutions, demonstrate the potential benefits of a Smart Data ecosystem for customers and society, and help government to understand what it can do to support the widespread creation of impactful uses of real-world Smart Data across different sectors in the UK."

Holly Jamieson, Executive Director, Challenge Works

We attended the pre-announcement event at the Nesta building in London, alongside other finalist teams working on data-led outcomes.

We’re grateful to Challenge Works, NayaOne, and the Department for Business and Trade for making the programme possible.

FAQs

What Is the Smart Data Challenge Prize?

It is a UK programme supporting teams building practical Smart Data services using a purpose-built synthetic data sandbox.

Why Does a Synthetic Smart Data Sandbox Matter?

It lets teams test ideas safely without using real consumer data while still working with realistic data patterns.

How Could Nigel Help Consumers Manage Life Admin?

Nigel is intended to help people organise documents, reminders, and trusted data sharing around everyday financial and household tasks.

References

Smart Data Challenge Prize Reveals Finalists Vying for £50K Funding, Digit News, 2025

Reviewed by

Sam Kendall, 31.05.26

This content is for general information only and is not legal advice.