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 or economic challenge through their innovative project.
The competition is split into two phases. In phase 1 the application will be assessed by independent experts. In phase 2 the shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by a panel of experts.
Each award will provide £50,000 of funding. Projects must start on 1 April 2022 and will last for one year.
The competition closes at 11am on 13 October 2021.
Scope
The aim of this competition is to fund and support a diverse portfolio of Women in Innovation Award winners:
who will be relatable role models for women from all backgrounds
from regions across the UK
who are solving a range of pressing societal, environmental and economic challenges
in a variety of innovation areas.
Innovate UK says:
Your proposal must identify clearly evidenced pressing societal, environmental or economic challenge(s), and how your project and innovation can help solve them.
Applications can come from any area of innovation (where innovation is defined as the commercially successful exploitation of ideas) and be applied to any part of the economy.
We plan to offer at least 20 awards.
We want to support women who are at a critical stage with their business, where an award will enable them to take an important step forward. The funding should help them make a real difference to innovation in the UK including in and beyond their sector or innovation area.
You should be someone who will be an inspiration to others.
We are looking for women who clearly explain how they will benefit from the full package of funding and support on offer and who can describe how this will add value to them and their business.
We are particularly encouraging applications from women who:
have the potential, capability, experience and personal drive to become leaders in business innovation
want to be a role model for others, including in their region, sector and to young people
have a clear vision for their business
are looking to develop a game changing novel idea or business innovation
know what they are hoping to achieve from the award and how to measure success.