Rebecca Guest
Marketing Executive
We’re excited to share the news that the winner of the 2025 TBAT Innovation Challenge has officially been announced, rounding off what has been an incredible year of innovation and cutting-edge ideas!
On Wednesday, 15th October, we wrapped up the 2025 TBAT Innovation challenge with a truly inspiring celebration at the beautiful Renaissance at Kelham Hall in Nottinghamshire. Our Finalist Showcase is not only a celebration of innovation, but also a powerful showcase of the entrepreneurial spirit driving the UK’s most ambitious SMEs.
The Innovation Challenge 2025, powered by TBAT Innovation, was delivered in collaboration with Headline Sponsor Shakespeare Martineau and Platinum Sponsor Barclays Eagle Labs. The programme is designed to support and accelerate innovation within the UK’s SME landscape by offering access to expert advice, funding opportunities, and a supportive network of industry partners. More than just a competition, the Challenge provides a platform for early-stage businesses to connect with the right people, at the right time.
We’re pleased to announce that this year’s winner is A&B Smart Materials, a company redefining what’s possible in sustainability by developing sustainable, bio-based Super Absorbent polymers (SAPs). Their mission is to replace synthetic SAPs in hygiene and agriculture, disrupting a $9B market through scalable, capital-light licensing.
As the winner of the 2025 Innovation Challenge, A&B Smart Materials will receive a £10,000 cash prize, along with a share of a tailored support package worth £80,000 to help drive their business forward. The comprehensive support package will be shared with the two runners-up of this year’s challenge.
Our finalists were up against tough competition, making the decision for the judges on the night a difficult one. From AI-powered smart glasses to innovative breast forms, the range and quality of ideas on display were nothing short of exceptional.
We’re delighted to recognise our 2025 runners-up: Nafura Advanced Technologies and Snowball.
Nafura Advanced Technologies is revolutionising industrial wastewater treatment through scalable plasma technology. Their solution delivers fast, cost-effective results at an industrial scale, all while significantly reducing environmental footprint and operational costs.
Snowball is behind the world’s largest accessibility app, helping people find, rate, and share accessible places. They believe accessibility isn’t just about compliance, it’s about creating welcoming spaces where everyone can participate fully.
We’d also like to acknowledge Boost Innovations, who were awarded both the Design Award, sponsored by OPD, and the Audience Winner Award, sponsored by Charnwood Campus.
Boost Innovations is redefining the traditional breast prosthesis with a fresh, thoughtful approach. Their lightweight, breathable, and eco-conscious breast forms are designed to provide comfort and confidence to wearers. With a focus on empowerment, they’re reshaping how women experience breast forms after mastectomy, one small step at a time.
Sam Stephens, Commercial Director of TBAT Innovation, commented on our Finalist Showcase, noting:
“It’s always inspiring to see the passion and innovation that SMEs bring to the table. The Finalist Showcase celebrates their achievements, and we’re proud to be part of a platform that supports the SME community and helps them move forward.”
Our Headline Sponsor, Shakespeare Martineau, has been instrumental in championing the Innovation Challenge and the role of SMEs in shaping the future. Speaking about the competition, Roger Harcourt, Partner and Head of Office at Shakespeare Martineau, said:
“This year’s participants have shown remarkable creativity and drive. It’s a privilege to collaborate with TBAT Innovation and champion these SMEs as they develop meaningful solutions and shape the future of their industries.”
For more information about the Innovation Challenge and how TBAT Innovation supports SMEs, please click here.
If you would like to get involved in the 2026 Innovation Challenge in any capacity, please email jor@tbat.co.uk to express your interest.
TBAT Innovation has officially joined the Dains Group, one of the UK’s fastest-growing accountancy and advisory firms. This marks a significant step forward in expanding TBAT’s nationwide delivery of R&D tax incentives, grant funding, and innovation consultancy services. Backed by the scale and strength of the Dains Group, TBAT is now even better positioned to help innovative businesses across the UK access the funding and support they need.
TBAT Innovation is proud to announce its official partnership with the Innovate UK No Limits platform, a national initiative designed to support individuals and founders across the UK innovation landscape. The No Limits platform offers a wide range of valuable tools and opportunities, all free to access and designed to help innovators at every stage of their journey.
Assists organisations in accessing research and development grant funding across a range of UK and EU schemes and industry sectors.
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