Celebrating Women in Innovation

Launched in 2016, the Women in Innovation programme aims to get more women innovating in business. The programme kicked off with research to build understanding of the challenges and opportunities for women innovators and a women-only competition with awards offering innovation grant funding and a tailored programme of mentoring and business support.

In 2018 Innovate UK confirmed ongoing commitment towards Women in Innovation and launched a second funding competition for awards and a new series of UK-wide events to raise awareness of opportunities, provide practical advice and inspire women to ‘build success’ in innovation.

The award holders are making a huge impact and a whole new community of women innovators with amazing ideas was discovered. The number of women leading applications to Innovate UK has increased by 70%.

Innovate UK and Knowledge Transfer Network have created a booklet to celebrate women in innovation, showcasing the journeys of 30 female entrepreneurs and their experiences with the program. 

Innovate UK would like to thank everyone involved in the Women in Innovation programme since its launch in 2016. We are excited about the next stage of the programme which we look forward to sharing with you.

The Women in Innovation programmes also launched an online Women in Innovation community on the WorldLabs platform earlier this year, to foster networks in the UK and overseas, and also provide key advice and support. Join the Women in Innovation online community here.

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