Jo Rudzki
Head of Partnerships & Events
Applications are now open for the 2026 TBAT Innovation Challenge, giving ambitious UK businesses the opportunity to compete for funding, expert support and recognition.
Delivered by TBAT Innovation in partnership with Dains, and supported by headline sponsor Shakespeare Martineau and Platinum sponsor Barclays Eagle Labs, the competition is designed to identify and accelerate the UK’s most exciting innovators.
For 2026, the competition returns with its most valuable prize package yet. Eligible UK businesses can apply for the Innovation Challenge by submitting an application form on our website, which collects key information about your business. In addition to providing details of your innovation and your company, you are required to upload an investor pitch deck or a business plan.
The overall winner of the 2026 TBAT Innovation Challenge will receive a £50,000 cash prize to invest in research and development activities*, alongside access to a support package worth more than £100,000.
The support package, delivered by TBAT Innovation’s trusted partner network, will be shared across the three finalists and tailored to the specific needs of each business.
In addition, the two runners-up will each receive a £5,000 cash prize to support their continued growth and development.
Support available as part of the prize package includes:
The combination of funding and specialist expertise ensures that finalists receive practical support capable of delivering lasting impact beyond the competition itself.
In addition to the winner and two runners-up, there will be a £1,000 cash prize^ for the winner of our Rising Star Award (sponsored by Sequel Consultants), and cutting-edge product design consultancy services^ for the winner of the Design Award (sponsored by OPD)
In addition to the overall winner and two runners-up, a £1,000 cash prize will be awarded to the winner of the Rising Star Award, sponsored by Sequel Consultants, while the winner of the Design Award, sponsored by OPD, will receive access to specialist product design consultancy services.
View the full list of available support on the TBAT Innovation website.
The Innovation Challenge welcomes applications from innovative businesses and entrepreneurs across the UK.
Eligible applicants include:
Start-ups – UK businesses that are three years old or younger and developing innovative products, services or technologies.
Established Innovative Businesses – Companies over three years old that remain heavily involved in research and development or are introducing new technologies to their markets.
Aspiring Entrepreneurs – Individuals planning to launch an innovative business within the UK.
Technology-Led Businesses – Businesses offering technology-based products or services that demonstrate innovation and commercial potential in any sector.
Importantly, businesses do not need to have attended any previous TBAT Innovation Challenge workshops to enter.
Once applications close, submissions will be reviewed by an expert judging panel, with the Top 10 businesses selected to progress to the Innovation Challenge Finalist Showcase in Warwickshire on 7th October 2026.
The showcase is one of the highlights of the programme, giving finalists the opportunity to pitch their businesses live to a panel of judges, industry experts and business leaders. It provides a valuable platform for exposure and networking while allowing innovative companies to demonstrate the commercial potential of their ideas.
The event will conclude with the announcement of one overall winner and two runners-up.
When reflecting on the Innovation Challenge, 2025 winner Amaury Van Trappen of A&B Smart Materials said:
”A&B Smart Materials was honoured to receive the TBAT Innovation Challenge award, which recognised the strong progress we had made over recent months. The cash prize came at an ideal time, just ahead of the close of our £1.5m pre-seed fundraise, and provided valuable momentum as we entered our next phase of growth. We are very much looking forward to working with TBAT and benefiting from the expert support and services offered as part of the award”
If you’re developing a breakthrough technology, solving industry challenges or building the next generation of innovative products and services, the 2026 Innovation Challenge offers a unique opportunity to showcase your business.
Applications close on the 12th August 2026, at 11.59pm.
Duplicate applications will not be accepted and you must be available to attend the Finalist Showcase in person on 7th October should you be shortlisted as a finalist.
*£50k cash to invest in R&D, supported by Kappika Ventures and Pera.
Funds will be available to the winner within 30 days of the award, subject to completion of an R&D Services and Warrant Agreement. Cash 80% up front with 20% reserved for completion.
Winner must agree to Full T&Cs and provide a case study/report in the form of a paper or presentation. You can find examples here: https://www.perainternational.com/category/current-projects/
^The OPD prize offering and the Sequel Consultants £1,000 Cash Prize listed above are not included in the overall prize support package. OPD’s prize will be awarded to the winner of the Design Award, and Sequel Consultants’ Cash Prize to the winner of the Rising Star Award.
Mavis Technologies has officially launched its new AI‑powered smart glasses, Mavis Viaro and Mavis Itero, designed to support blind and partially sighted people in navigating everyday life with greater confidence and independence. As a TBAT Innovation Challenge 2025 finalist, Mavis Technologies represents the kind of purpose‑driven innovation that delivers real‑world impact through thoughtful, user‑centred engineering.
The TBAT Innovation Challenge 2026 is now open, offering UK businesses a unique opportunity to advance their innovation journey. Through free expert-led workshops, funding, and tailored support, ambitious start-ups and established tech-driven companies can refine their ideas, gain exposure, and compete for a £50,000 R&D cash prize* and bespoke support packages.
Assists organisations in accessing research and development grant funding across a range of UK and EU schemes and industry sectors.
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