Innovate UK, as part of UK Research and Innovation, is offering 10 Women in Innovation Awards to female entrepreneurs across the UK. The winners will receive a £50,000 grant and a bespoke package of mentoring, coaching and business support.

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The aim of this competition is to find women with exciting, innovative ideas and ambitious plans that will inspire others. The awards are for female founders, co-founders or senior decision makers working in businesses that have been operating for at least one year.

Applicants must be confident, with the support of an award, that they can make a significant contribution to a pressing societal, environmental and/or economic challenge through their innovative project.

The competition is split into 2 phases. In phase 1 the written application will be assessed by independent experts. In phase 2 the shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by a panel of experts.

The competition closes at 11am UK time on October 14th. Each award will provide £50,000 of funding. Projects must start by 1 April 2021 and will last for one year.

Lead organisation

To be eligible for an award you must:

  • be a female founder, co-founder or senior decision maker within a UK registered micro or SME business which has been operating for at least 12 months by the competition closing date
  • carry out your project work in the UK
  • intend to exploit the results from or in the UK
  • be able to receive funding under de minimis state aid regulations
  • be legally and contractually able to use the funding
  • be available to attend an online interview panel during the week beginning 7 December 2020
  • attend 2 bootcamps over one and a half days during the week beginning 18 April 2021 and in November 2021
  • be fully committed to work as a role model for up to 5 days over the duration of the award

Applications from UK-based social enterprises operating economically will be eligible if they meet all other criteria.

Find out which definition your organisation falls into.

You can only make one application for yourself. More than one woman working within the same organisation can apply. The awards are for individuals, but this does not prevent you from working with others.