The Innovate UK Women in Innovation Awards support trailblazing women entrepreneurs to maximise the impact of their innovative ideas, accelerate business growth, and contribute to pressing societal, environmental and economic challenges.
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), is offering up to 60 Women in Innovation Awards to women founders and co-founders of micro, small or medium sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK.
Successful projects will receive a 12-month package of support that includes a grant of up to £75K, bespoke business support, and a suite of training, networking and role-modelling opportunities.
A proportion of highly commended applicants who have not been awarded grant funding in this competition will be offered bespoke business support for 12 months.
The aims of this competition are to support Women in Innovation Award winners:
As a late-stage startup, we would expect you to:
- have built a basic version of the idea or product, service, solution (for example a prototype or Minimal Viable Product)
- have received early interest from users, customers, or made some money
- know who the product is for and have started testing how the business will work
- have an understanding of realistic market opportunity
- have started forming a team, going beyond original founders
Eligibility summary
This competition is open to single applicants.
You must be a woman founder or co-founder of a UK registered micro, small or medium sized enterprise that is a late stage start-up.
Your project must be aligned to one of the following growth sectors:
- advanced manufacturing
- digital and technologies
- life sciences
| Application Deadline |
04/02/2026 11:00am |
| Application required? |
Apply Here |
