The Women in Innovation Awards, delivered by Innovate UK (part of UKRI), are designed to find and support the UK’s most promising women founders and co-founders. The program provides a grant and a comprehensive package of mentoring and support to help female entrepreneurs scale their businesses and turn their innovative ideas into reality.
Up to 60 awards are offered to women leading micro, small, or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK. The initiative aims to tackle the underrepresentation of women in business innovation and inspire the next generation of female innovators.
Financial Benefits
- Grant Funding: A grant of £75,000 to support your project and business growth.
- Bespoke Support: A comprehensive package of bespoke mentoring, coaching, and business support.
- Training and Networking: Access to specialized training, networking events, and a community of fellow award winners.
- Role Model Platform: Award holders become role models for innovation, helping to inspire others.
Eligibility Criteria
- Role: Must be a woman founder or co-founder of a UK-registered SME.
- Company Size: The business must be a micro, small, or medium-sized enterprise.
- Project: Must have a clear, innovative project or business idea to develop.
- Commitment: Must be able to commit to working on the project for 12 months.
- Location: The business must be registered and operate in the UK.
Application Process
Application Deadline: The deadline for the 2025/2026 awards is expected to be in February 2026.
Applications are submitted through the official Innovation Funding Service portal and involve detailing your business, your innovation project, and how the award would benefit you.
Application Link:
For full competition details and to apply, visit the official Innovate UK funding page.
