Women in Innovation
Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation programme consists of an annual funding competition and events that enable brilliant women to fully achieve their visions for their business and change the world, while championing and celebrating gender diversity throughout UK innovation.
Boosting innovation through Diversity
Six years on from its launch, the Women in Innovation programme is going from strength to strength with ever greater numbers of women innovating in business. Through the programme, we nurture pioneering women to embrace innovation, grow their businesses, and navigate the entrepreneurial ecosystem for positive economic, environmental, and societal change.
Women In Innovation Awards 2022/23
The 2022/23 Women in Innovation application round ran from 22 August 2022 to 19 October 2022. Up to 50 winning women entrepreneurs will embark on a 12-month journey and benefit from a bespoke business boosting support package. This includes a cash injection of £50,000 each, tailored business coaching, mentoring and a wide range of networking and training opportunities designed to help grow their innovation further.
Applications are now closed. Please see our opportunities page for other open funding calls that may be of interest.
Why should you get involved?
The Women in Innovation Award offers you a great way to grow your innovative business. Play the video to hear from current Award holders.
You will embark on a 12-month journey and benefit from an amazing support package which includes…
£50,000 Financial grant to boost your business
We help you cover eligible project costs, including travel to meet customers and partners, attending relevant training courses, equipment, hiring office space, or IT support with a £50,000 grant.
A big support package
You get tailored business support and mentorship including advice on business planning, strategy, financial planning, media and communications, branding, growing your networks, access to additional funding and finance, introductions to investors, pitch training and more.
"We proudly support this diverse group of trailblazing women, who are changing the world through the power of their ideas. Their innovations underpin solutions, inspired by societal and environment challenges, as well as their own lived experiences. I hope their stories…will encourage and inspire others to follow their lead."
— Indro Mukerjee, CEO, Innovate UK
"Innovation means to question the status quo and that's not an easy path to walk."
— Nicola Filzmoser, Happyr Health, Women In Innovation 2020/21 Award Winner
"The Women in Innovation cohort has helped me rethink my business strategy and feel comfortable in taking unprecedented actions in unprecedented times."
— Sonu Bubna, Shopper.com, Women In Innovation 2020/21 Award Winner
"I want to encourage more women to lead and be the change they wish to see in advancing innovation."
— Jane Stewart, Topolytics, Women In Innovation 2021/22 Award Winner
"If you have an idea that you can’t stop thinking about, that you know will help someone or leave the world in a better place than you found it, then absolutely go for it!"
— Mya Gooding-Springer, Swap Shop, Women In Innovation 2021/22 Award Winner
What we are looking for?
The aim of this competition is to find women with exciting, innovative businesses and ambitious plans that will inspire others. The awards are for:
- women Founders, co-Founders or senior decision makers working in businesses that have been operating for at least one year
- applicants who are confident that, with the support of the award, they can make a significant contribution to a pressing societal, environmental or economic challenge through their innovative project, and they can act as role models for others.
Who can get involved?
Women innovators from across the UK who are working on a wide range of business ideas, types, sectors, products, processes, and services. To be eligible for an award you must:
- be a woman 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
- be resident in the UK
- carry out your project work in the UK
- intend to exploit the results from or in the UK
- be legally and contractually able to use the funding
- be available to attend an online interview panel during the weeks beginning 5 December and 12 December 2022 (exact date to be communicated to the shortlisted applicants)
- attend 2 Bootcamps on the week commencing 20 March 2023 and in September 2023 (exact date to be announced).
- be fully committed to volunteer as a role model for up to 5 days over the duration of the award
Useful Links
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Innovate UK KTN hosted an online briefing event on 18 August 2022. The session covered information about the application process, whilst bringing together industry leaders and Women in Innovation Award winners to offer advice and inspiration.
Watch the recording
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We hope these Frequently Asked Questions will be helpful to potential applicants for the Women In Innovation Awards 2022/23.
Read now
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The Women in Innovation Competition seeks to identify women who have bold, creative concepts and ambitious plans that will motivate others. Watch our briefing videos below. The application deadline is 19th October 2022.
Watch now
Get involved today
We are now proud to be supporting a vibrant Women in Innovation community that encompasses over 9,000 members. Join the community today to stay in the know.
Related Opportunities
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Related Events and Recordings
Related News
25/10/2022
Meet Women Innovators in the Foundation Industries (WINFI)
On Friday 21st October, the Transforming Foundation Industries Challenge held its first webinar as part of its initiative to raise the profile of Women Innovators in the Foundation Industries (WINFI). Read our panel’s insights and watch the recording.
Read more
16/11/2022
Opportunity to mentor pioneering women in innovation
KTN and Innovate UK are looking to partner with leaders from across a range of sectors who can help accelerate the business ambitions of the next Women in Innovation Award Winners.
Read more
Our Experts
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We are now proud to be supporting a vibrant Women in Innovation community that encompasses over 9,000 members. Join the community today to stay in the know.