Roxana Montazerian is a researcher and Chartered Architect specializing in Digital Heritage, focusing on ancient monuments and buildings. She serves as the Principal Investigator of multiple R&D projects funded by Innovate UK, Creative UK, and Newcastle University, working on intelligent heritage management solutions. As a multi-award-winning innovator and entrepreneur, she is dedicated to advancing sustainable development goals and addressing global challenges. Additionally, she is a Royal Academy of Engineering champion, striving to make a positive impact through her work. At EliteX, we are proud to have Roxana Montazerian as part of the edition: Prominent Businesswomen in UK, 2025.
Roxana Montazerian | CEO & Founder | ROXID LTD
Her journey into the business world stemmed from her extensive research collaborations with Newcastle, Durham, and Oxford Universities in the UK and EU. Through her work in heritage conservation, she identified a significant gap in the industry—the absence of a centralized resource for recording completed work and surveys on heritage sites. The inefficiencies caused by fragmented data, outdated collection methods, and redundant research efforts inspired her to establish ROXID. The company aims to revolutionize heritage data management by providing a streamlined and intelligent solution.
“Believing in yourself and your vision is key, even when challenges arise.”
Roxana has faced numerous challenges as a woman in the business world. One of the most difficult experiences she endured was a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, which put her in a life-threatening condition just a month after incorporating her business. The emotional and physical toll, combined with the pressures of managing an early-stage award-winning business, was overwhelming. Despite the lack of support available for women in similar situations, she remained resilient. She is now committed to raising awareness about the challenges women entrepreneurs face, advocating for better support systems, and engaging in initiatives to drive change. As an Innovate UK and Royal Academy of Engineering awardee, she has actively provided feedback to government representatives and continues to amplify the voices of women, empowering them to pursue their ambitions while contributing to economic and social growth in the UK.
Success in her industry requires a continuous learning mindset, as every day presents new challenges and opportunities. Being part of the Northeast’s entrepreneurial community is like attending a masterclass every day—filled with inspiration, support, and endless opportunities to grow. Additionally, understanding advancements in technology and leveraging them to meet business objectives is crucial. This awareness has helped her develop innovative solutions that push the boundaries of heritage conservation and management. Throughout her career, Roxana has been influenced by numerous individuals who have contributed to her entrepreneurial journey. Participating in competitive accelerator programs designed to help researchers commercialize their work has been particularly impactful. Every person she has encountered through these programs has played a role in shaping her business and approach to innovation.
What sets her business apart is its pioneering approach to heritage conservation. ROXID is the first web application designed to manage cultural heritage sustainably while intelligently predicting conservation needs. This innovative solution provides a more efficient, data-driven approach to heritage management, ensuring the preservation of historical sites for future generations.
Balancing work and personal life remains one of the most challenging aspects of her journey. She finds that maintaining a healthy lifestyle, getting sufficient sleep, exercising, and socializing significantly improves her productivity. Furthermore, she recognizes the importance of mental and physical well-being, particularly for women, and actively engages with organizations that offer support and foster open discussions about these challenges.
Staying ahead in a competitive environment requires a commitment to research, experimental development, and collaborations with universities. Roxana places great emphasis on staying connected to cutting-edge knowledge and innovations, ensuring that her business remains at the forefront of technological advancements in heritage management. While she has been fortunate to avoid major mistakes, she attributes this to the invaluable guidance of an advisory board and the support of various training programs. Learning from experienced mentors has allowed her to navigate potential pitfalls and make informed decisions that contribute to her business’s success.
“ROXID is the first web application designed to manage cultural heritage sustainably while intelligently predicting conservation needs.”
Supporting and mentoring other women in business is a fundamental part of Roxana’s daily activities. She actively engages with her peers, sharing her experiences and insights while also learning from others. She believes in fostering a collaborative environment where women can uplift each other and work towards common goals. Innovation plays a crucial role in her industry. The UK’s reputation as an innovation hub creates job opportunities in the tech sector and drives economic growth. Within the creative industries, integrating technology into heritage conservation inspires other enterprises to explore similar advancements. Roxana strongly encourages innovation by continuously seeking new solutions and fostering a culture of creativity and progress within her company.
Her advice to young women aspiring to follow in her footsteps is to believe in themselves and their vision, even when facing challenges. She emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with a strong support system, including mentors and peers who can provide guidance and encouragement. Lifelong learning is also essential, as adaptability and knowledge are key to success. She urges young women to seek help when needed, as learning from experienced professionals can prevent common mistakes. Most importantly, she highlights the need to prioritize well-being, as a balanced lifestyle leads to greater resilience and effectiveness.
Looking ahead, Roxana has ambitious goals for ROXID. She aims to revolutionize heritage management by leveraging artificial intelligence to create a more intelligent and sustainable system. This innovation will not only enhance the preservation of historical sites but also contribute to local tourism, economic growth, and societal benefits. By setting a new standard for integrating technology with heritage conservation, ROXID will inspire other creative enterprises to explore similar innovations. Additionally, it will create new job and research opportunities in the tech and heritage sectors, further solidifying the UK’s position as a leader in heritage management and AI technology.
Through her dedication, resilience, and innovative mindset, Roxana Montazerian continues to make significant contributions to the field of digital heritage and entrepreneurship. Her journey serves as an inspiration to women in business, demonstrating that challenges can be overcome with determination, support, and a commitment to progress.
“Being part of the Northeast’s entrepreneurial community is like attending a masterclass every day—filled with inspiration, support, and endless opportunities to grow.”