The TBAT Innovation Challenge 2026, by Dains, in collaboration with Headline Sponsor Shakespeare Martineau, and Platinum Sponsor Barclays Eagle Labs, offers a unique opportunity to elevate your business.
The winner of the overall Innovation Challenge will receive a £50,000 cash prize to invest in R&D* and a share of the £95,000 support package, provided by our partner network. 2 Runners-up will receive a £5,000 cash prize and will have access to a share of the support package. Each support package will be tailored specifically to the business’s individual needs.
Please note: You do not need to have attended our Innovation Challenge workshops to apply for the competition stage of the programme.
The application form will take approximately 15-20 minutes of your time and will gather essential details about your company and your business proposition or project. Additionally, we request that you attach supporting documents that will strengthen your application. These documents could include your business plan or pitch deck. Other documents will not be accepted. Please do not include any data that is IP sensitive.
The shortlisted 2026 Top 10 finalists will receive a pitching training session from Funding Hero, helping them prepare for their Finalist Showcase pitch.
This will be a highly valuable session that helps innovators craft clear, compelling pitches that balance story, numbers, and customer insights within short pitch formats that investors actually engage with.
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