Innovate UK aim to identify and nurture the next generation of brilliant innovators.
Women are under-represented in the field of innovation, meaning as a nation, we’re failing to harness, capitalise on and celebrate the entrepreneurial talent of female innovators to the detriment of our economy. Boosting female entrepreneurship could deliver approximately £60bn extra to the UK economy.
The infocus Awards will celebrate and reward women working across four key sectors – Materials & Manufacturing, Health & Life Sciences, Infrastructure Systems, Emerging & Enabling Technologies. Innovate UK has up to £200,000 and a package of support to award to businesswomen who have exciting ideas and the potential to become leaders in innovation and deliver significant economic growth.
Twelve women will benefit from a valuable tailor-made package of support and four of these will each receive a £50,000 grant to get her brilliant idea up and running.
This is the first women only Innovate UK competition and is part of a new ‘infocus’ initiative to encourage diversity in innovation.
The awards will open for applications on 1 June 2016.
Find out more about the infocus awards and how to apply here.