Young Innovators 20/21 Success Stories
There are many different routes into innovation, and this is clearly illustrated in the stories of our award winners. Read the stories of our 2020/21 Young Innovators to find out how the Young Innovators programme helped them to navigate and accelerate their entrepreneurial journey.
In March 2020, Innovate UK published findings showing that half of the young people in the UK think their age is a barrier to success, with nearly a third lacking the confidence needed to turn their ideas into a reality.
To help young people transform their innovative ideas into businesses, Innovate UK launched the Young Innovators programme in partnership with The Prince’s Trust, encouraging and empowering 18-30-year-olds to innovate and succeed by providing access to funding and support.
The programme recognises young people from diverse backgrounds located all over Britain who have great business ideas and the potential to become future leaders in innovation. Each award winner receives a £5,000 grant, one-on-one business coaching from Innovate UK EDGE, and an allowance to cover their living costs, enabling them to accelerate their business and innovation.
So far, 151 inspiring young people have received Young Innovators awards, and 12,000 young people have engaged with the #IdeasMeanBusiness campaign.
From Ideas to Businesses
There are many different routes into innovation, and this is clearly illustrated in the stories of our award winners. What really stands out is the abundance of ideas that are driven by a willingness to bring benefits to our economy, society, and environment, thereby changing the world for the better.
Read the stories of our 2020/21 Young Innovators to find out how the Young Innovators programme helped them to navigate and accelerate their entrepreneurial journey.
Scotland
Lucy Fisher | Knit It/Zucy LTD
Iona Mackenzie | Talk and Grow
North West
Rogiros Theophanous | Theo Technologies
Anna Watkins | Uncommon Alchemy
North East
Yorkshire and the Humber
East Midlands
Madelaine Dowd | Helm Innovation
West Midlands
Andrew Reece | WhiteBox Systems
East of England
Rhiannon Jeffreys | Starling Music Academy
London
Jasmine Douglas | Babes on Waves
Wales
South West
Lottie Hawkins | Earthly Biochar
South East
The next competition
The next competition will open in Summer 2022. Innovate UK’s Young Innovators Awards 2022/23 will award 100 people from diverse backgrounds with a £5,000 grant, one-on-one business coaching, and an allowance to cover their living costs.
Subscribe to our newsletter to find out exactly when and how you’ll be able to submit your application in the hope to become a 2022/23 Young Innovator!
Related programme
Young Innovators
The Young Innovators Awards are an annual competition from Innovate UK that finds, supports and celebrates young people with great business ideas.