Women in Innovation

Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation programme was launched in 2016 to address underrepresentation of women in business innovation and to encourage more of them to apply to Innovate UK’s funding opportunities. Since its inception, the Programme has enabled brilliant women across the UK to fully achieve their vision for their businesses and change the world, while championing and celebrating gender diversity throughout UK innovation.

Boosting innovation through Diversity – Impact & Reach

The Programme has continued to go from strength to strength, year by year, with ever greater numbers of women innovating in business. In the last 6 years we have had the honour of nurturing over 200 pioneering women from all UK regions and nations to embrace innovation, grow their businesses, and navigate the entrepreneurial ecosystem for positive economic, environmental, and societal change.

Since its inception, the Women in Innovation Programme:

  • Has awarded a total of £10.1 million to over 200 remarkable women to enable them to develop and grow their businesses, whilst elevating them as relatable role models to inspire the next generation of women innovators
  • Has created a vibrant community of over 9,500 women business leaders, ambassadors and allies.
  • Has provided opportunities for women innovators to work in partnership with many brilliant organisations and networks and to learn from one another
  • Has amplified our reach and impact in our mission to foster a more gender-diverse business innovation ecosystem in the UK.

Women In Innovation Awards 2022/23

The 2022/23 Women in Innovation application round saw a record high number of applications, with over 900 women applying to the Award. After a highly competitive process, 50 women entrepreneurs were chosen to embark on a 12 month journey, benefitting from a bespoke business boosting support package between April 2023 and March 2024. The support package includes a cash injection of £50,000 each, tailored business coaching, mentoring and a wealth of networking, role modelling and training opportunities designed to help grow their innovation further.

Sara Berkai

Sara Berkai

Fuelling STEM learning among displaced children through play.

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Lorna Anguilano

Lorna Anguilano

Using native plants to harvest valuable metals from contaminated soil.

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Emma Lawton

Emma Lawton

Bringing communities together in events generated by advanced algorithms and data analysis.

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Fatemeh Ameri

Fatemeh Ameri

Analysing medical images with AI.

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Zijing Li

Zijing Li

Self-monitoring concrete for a more sustainable future.

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Iris Kramer

Iris Kramer

Using deep learning to detect unknown archaeological sites.

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Hear more about the Programme legacy

The 2022/23 Women in Innovation Award winners represent a wide variety of sectors, innovation areas and expertise. Play the video to hear more about them and the Programme legacy since 2016.

Previous Winners

Women in Innovation

Previous Winners

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Resources

Women in Innovation

Resources

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Partnerships

Women in Innovation

Partnerships

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Stay in touch

We are now proud to be supporting a vibrant Women in Innovation community that encompasses over 9,500 members. Join the community today to stay in the know.

Related Opportunities

Future Leaders Fellowships: round 9, business and non-academic

Opens: 07/03/2024 Closes: 25/06/2024

UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £110m for ambitious research and innovation, and tailored support for future leaders’ careers.

More Information

NATO Women and Girls in Science 2024 challenge

Opens: 08/02/2024 Closes: 21/04/2024

The goal of the WGS24 challenge is to inspire young women in STEM disciplines. Participants will be asked to submit a short research proposal for NATO.

More Information

Innovate UK innovation loans future economy: round 14

Opens: 07/03/2024 Closes: 01/05/2024

UK registered businesses can apply for loans for innovative projects with strong commercial potential to significantly improve the UK economy.

More Information

Related Events and Recordings

Tue
23
Jan
2024

Innovation Loans Round 13 - Applicant Briefing

11.00 - 13.00 | Online

Watch now
Wed
8
Mar
2023

Celebrating the Legacy of Women in Innovation on International Women's Day

09.30 - 12.30 | Online

Watch now
Wed
27
Mar
2024

Inclusive Innovation – Inspiring Growth, Talent and Skills for Aspirational Women Entrepreneurs

10.00 - 12.00 GMT | Online

Register now
See all events

Related News

Women in Innovation 2021/2022 Success Stories

03/05/2023

Women in Innovation 2021/2022 Success Stories

Read the success stories of our 2021/22 Women in Innovation and the personal journeys they’ve been on since winning their awards.

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Global Alliance Africa host More than a Woman Showcase to celebrate International Women’s Day in Gauteng, South Africa

23/03/2023

Global Alliance Africa host More than a Woman Showcase to celebrate International Women’s Day in Gauteng, South Africa

On 8 March 2023, over 100 people attended the More than a Woman Showcase to highlight their amazing achievements, incredible talent and network with a diverse audience that comprised of like-minded innovators and entrepreneurs as well as enabler and investors in order to share stories and create new collaborations. Global Alliance Africa are delighted to be in partnership with mLab, Women-in-Tech, SEED South Capital and MentHer. The #MoreThanAWoman initiative is a programme that aims to upskill and support the scalability of grassroots women innovators in South Africa.

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Emma Taylor-Steeds

Our Expert

Emma Taylor-Steeds

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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.

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