Innovation Challenge Opens With Cash Awards for UK Innovators

Competition and workshops support SMEs, start-ups and R&D-led firms developing technology-based products or services

TBAT has opened applications for its 2026 Innovation Challenge, a UK-wide competition designed to support innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and early-stage ventures.

The Innovation Challenge includes free-to-attend workshops delivered in partnership with a network of organisations. The sessions are intended to provide information and guidance to participating businesses, including those developing technology-based products or services across different sectors.

Following the workshops, participating businesses can apply to enter a competition. The finalists will be selected to deliver live pitches at a Finalist Showcase.

A prize and support package will be shared between the top three finalists, with each package tailored to the needs of the business. The overall winner will receive a £50,000 cash prize to invest in research and development. Two runners-up will each receive £5,000 in cash aimed at assisting with business expenses.

The Innovation Challenge also includes a Rising Star Award. The winner of this award will receive £1,000 in cash, alongside support packages provided through the partner network, to help with business expenses.

Eligibility is open to UK businesses that are three years old or younger, individuals intending to launch a business in the UK and UK businesses older than three years that are engaged in research and development or planning to introduce new technology. Applicants are expected to offer a technology-based product or service and demonstrate innovation.