The Women in Innovation Awards 2021/22 promise to offer female business leaders the chance to make a difference in society. The competition opens Monday 23 August 2021.
Innovate UK launched Women in Innovation in 2016. This came after research showed just 1 in 7 applications for Innovate UK support came from women. Moreover, boosting the number of female applicants could deliver £180 billion to the economy. This year, Innovate UK is offering at least 20 Women in Innovation Awards to entrants across the UK. Prizes include a £50,000 grant and a bespoke package of mentoring and business support.
Since 2016, the number of women applying for funding and support has grown by 71%. In this way, Innovate UK are hoping the 2021/22 awards will build on this success.
Innovate UK is aiming to find women with exciting ideas that could inspire others. Female founders, co-founders and senior decision makers working in businesses that have been operating for 1 year or more are eligible to apply.
Additionally, award winners can expect to make a huge impact on pressing societal challenges through their innovative projects. Furthermore, the applicants must be confident that by winning the award, they can help improve the world around them.
Lastly, there are 2 phases to the competition. In phase 1 the application will be assessed by independent experts. In phase 2, a panel of experts will interview those shortlisted for the prize.