Research Innovation Enterprise

Women In Innovation

Women in Innovation
Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation programme consists of funding competitions and events to encourage female-led innovation.

Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation programme empowers pioneering female entrepreneurs to develop innovations. Delivered by KTN, the programme enables brilliant women to fully achieve their visions and change the world, while championing and celebrating gender diversity throughout UK innovation. KTN and Innovate UK work in collaboration to create a vibrant community of female role models, sharing knowledge and encouraging entrepreneurial growth for women throughout the UK.

The Women in Innovation campaign was launched 1 June 2016 to address the under-representation of women engaging with Innovate UK, to get more women with excellent ideas innovating in UK businesses, and boost the economy. Since then the number of women leading applications for grants to Innovate UK has increased by 70%.

Through the Women in Innovation Awards, established by Innovate UK, £500,000 will be provided to pioneering female entrepreneurs to develop innovations such as those to tackle climate change, developing new treatments and services for healthcare patients and cleaner transport. Female inventors will be awarded with a cash injection of £50,000 each, as well as receive coaching and mentoring.

Women in Innovation Awards 2021/22

Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation 2021/22 competition, that aims to get more women with excellent ideas innovating within UK businesses, will open this August!

Through the Women in Innovation Awards 2021/22, 20 female entrepreneurs will be awarded with a cash injection of £50K each, as well as a bespoke package of business support, coaching and mentoring.

Innovate UK and KTN are hosting a briefing event, on the 24th of August, to tell you more about the scope for this competition, the application process and support available for applicants.

If you are a female founder, co-founder or senior decision maker working in a UK-based company, join us to find out more!

Register now