The Women in Innovation Awards 2025/26, organized by Innovate UK (part of UK Research and Innovation), is a prestigious funding competition designed to empower women founders and co-founders across the UK. This program offers financial support, bespoke business mentoring, and visibility to women-led enterprises that are ready to scale their innovations in high-growth sectors.
Key Highlights
- Funding available: Up to £75,000 grant per awardee
- Business support: 12 months of tailored mentoring and guidance
- Number of awards: Up to 60, subject to quality of applications
- Competition timeline:
- Opens: Wednesday, 26 November 2025
- Closes: Wednesday, 4 February 2026 at 11:00am (UK time)
- Eligibility: Women founders or co-founders of UK-registered businesses at the late-stage start-up phase
Purpose of the Awards
The Women in Innovation Awards aim to:
- Support women entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses.
- Encourage innovations aligned with the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy.
- Provide visibility and recognition to women-led enterprises in traditionally underrepresented sectors.
- Strengthen the ecosystem of female innovators by offering both financial and non-financial support.
Eligible Sectors
Applicants must demonstrate that their innovation aligns with one of the following high-growth sectors:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Digital and Technologies
- Life Sciences
What Defines a Late-Stage Start-Up?
To qualify, applicants should demonstrate that their business is beyond the idea stage and has begun validating its market potential. Indicators include:
- A prototype or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) developed.
- Evidence of early customer interest or initial revenue.
- Clear understanding of the target market and business model testing.
- Formation of a team beyond the original founders.
- Realistic assessment of market opportunities.
Funding Details
- Grant limit: Up to £75,000 per project.
- Duration of support: 12 months of bespoke business mentoring.
- Additional support: Highly commended applicants (who do not receive funding) may still be offered mentoring for 12 months.
Competition Process
- Applications are assessed competitively.
- Not all high-scoring projects may receive funding due to budget limits.
- In the 2024/25 cycle, only 3.4% of applicants were successful, highlighting the competitive nature of the program.
- A suitability checker is now included to ensure applicants meet the defined scope before starting an application.
Assessment Factors
Innovate UK considers several elements when awarding funding:
- Quality and feasibility of the innovation.
- Alignment with target sectors.
- Business growth potential and scalability.
- Prior conduct of applicants (e.g., outstanding payments owed to Innovate UK or UKRI).
- Broader government funding considerations and portfolio balance.
Accessibility and Inclusion
Innovate UK is committed to ensuring the competition is accessible to all applicants:
- Reasonable adjustments are available for individuals with disabilities or long-term conditions.
- Applicants are encouraged to request support at least 15 working days before the deadline.
- Contact options:
- Phone: 0300 321 4357 (available Monday–Friday, 9am–12pm and 2pm–5pm, excluding holidays)
Important Notes
- The competition closes strictly at 11:00am UK time on Wednesday, 4 February 2026.
- Innovate UK reserves the right to adjust funding allocations in response to policy changes or government decisions.
- Futher information Here.
Why Apply?
Winning a Women in Innovation Award provides more than just funding. It offers:
- Credibility and recognition in the innovation ecosystem.
- Access to mentorship and networks that can accelerate growth.
- A platform to attract investment opportunities within 12–24 months.
- Tailored support to help women entrepreneurs overcome barriers and scale their businesses sustainably.
The Women in Innovation Awards 2025/26 represent a unique opportunity for women founders to secure both financial backing and strategic guidance. With a strong focus on high-growth sectors and scalable business models, the program is designed to spotlight female-led enterprises that are ready to make a significant impact.
Given the competitive nature of the awards, applicants should prepare thoroughly, leverage the suitability checker, and highlight both their innovation’s market potential and their leadership capacity. Success in this program can be transformative, opening doors to investment, partnerships, and long-term growth. Apply now.
