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 160 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 £7.6 million to 152 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 and our 2022/23 Award winners

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 Events and Recordings

Wed
8
Mar
2023

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

09.30 - 12.30 | Online

Watch now
See all events

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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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