Innovate UK Launches £4m Women in Innovation Awards

Innovate UK (IUK) is offering up to 50 Women in Innovation Awards to women entrepreneurs within SMEs across the UK.

Innovate UK (IUK) wants to support women who are at a critical stage with their business, where an award will enable them to take a major step forward. The funding should help women make a real difference to innovation in the UK, including in and beyond the winner’s sector or innovation area.

Applicants must identify clearly evidenced pressing societal, environmental or economic challenges, and show how their project and innovation can help solve them.
IUK has allocated up to £4 million to fund innovation projects in this competition. The winners will receive a £75,000 grant and bespoke business support. Total projects costs will be 100% funded.
Applications are open to women founders, co-founders or senior decisions maker within a UK registered SME that has been registered on Companies House for at least 12 months.
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.
Winners must attend two development days in 2025 and be fully committed to volunteer as a role model for at least five days over the duration of the award.

Mastering the Women in Innovation Grant

There is also a dynamic 25-minute lightning session that illuminates the pathway to securing the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Awards for 2024/25. The lunchtime session is designed to assist potential applicants in understanding the essentials of the award, including eligibility criteria, application process, and strategic tips for crafting a compelling application. Enhance your journey with an exclusive group coaching session led by Head of Grants, Chloe Sharp, a seasoned expert with insider knowledge on crafting winning applications. Whether you’re just curious or ready to take your innovative project to the next level, this session is your starting point.

You will learn -