Andrew Bud: From Zonephone Pioneer to CBE‑Worthy Cyber‑Guardian
When the Queen announced the New Year Honours, it was the digital frontier that caught her eye. Andrew Bud, the fearless brain behind London‑based biometric firm iProov and Chair of the global Mobile Ecosystem Forum, earned a CBE for blazing trails in export tech. He might be a tech whiz, but his story is also a warm reminder that innovation can shape lives worldwide.
The Birth of a Trust‑Tech Titan
In an age where logging onto bank accounts, filing taxes, or even booking a dentist appointment feels like a river crossing, Andrew set out to make trusting the digital realm as easy as queuing up for a latte. With iProov, he crafted next‑gen facial ID verification that’s on the radar of the UK Home Office, the US Department of Homeland Security, and a fleet of banks across Europe and Asia.
Tech‑Mogul at a Glance
- Zonephone: 1989 – The first consumer digital wireless phone, now hanging proudly in London’s Science Museum.
- Italian Mobile Network: 1994 – Helped launch the country’s inaugural private mobile network.
- mBlox: 1999 – Turned mobile texting into a commercial powerhouse, informing, alerting, and securing millions.
Why A CBE Matters
“It’s a badge of gratitude for the tech world’s pulse in the UK,” Andrew mused. He chuckles that a child’s first smartphone and a senior citizen’s secure online banking both owe a little thanks to the British tech scene. He credits his teammates, encouraging families, and countless forward‑thinking organisations for helping him reach this milestone.
Credentials That Matter
- Chartered Engineer & Fellow of the IET
- Master’s in Engineering, University of Cambridge
When you think of Andrew Bud, picture a man who turned the chaos of a messy mobile era into a streamlined, secure digital world – all while keeping a sense of humor. The Queen’s CBE is a fitting headline for a hero who keeps our online lives safe and sound.
