About Nesta

Nesta is a research and innovation foundation. We apply our deep expertise in applied methods to design, test and scale solutions to some of the biggest challenges of our time, working across the innovation lifecycle.

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Nini Papashvili

Project coordinator, Challenge Works

At Nesta, Nini is a project coordinator for the Ofwat Innovation Fund.

The Ofwat Innovation Fund, is a £600 million investment by Ofwat to grow the water sector’s capacity to innovate and tackle pressing environmental and societal challenges.

Nini supports the delivery and administration of the fund's expanding portfolio, collaborates on communications, and supports the Water Discovery Challenge and Water Innovation Missions initiatives.

After graduating with a degree in business administration in Georgia, Nini explored creative industry roles while actively volunteering for NGOs and community initiatives aimed at empowering underserved students. Combining her strategic business acumen with a passion for social impact, she later joined a research and education organisation in Georgia. There, she focused on designing educational programmes, building international partnerships, and founding a large-scale design movement. This movement united cross-industry resources, skills, and expertise across nines countries to co-create solutions for complex social issues. She also worked for a German typography association and organised the world's first type design competition beyond Latin scripts.

Outside of work, Nini is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) and dedicates her time to socially impactful initiatives, including developing experimental educational programmes that bridge systemic gaps and open up opportunities for youth from underprivileged backgrounds. An outdoor enthusiast, she can usually be found cycling, swimming, reading and spending time in nature.