Debunking Stereotypes
Hear from Innovate UK’s Young Innovators and Women in Innovation awardees to find out what they think about stereotypes in innovation and entrepreneurship and how they are redefining what it means to be an innovator.
What does being an innovator mean to you?
Great ideas can come from anyone, anywhere. But innovation is often stereotyped, tied to a certain industries, demographics, or ways of working. At Innovate UK, we know that diverse perspectives fuel better solutions. That’s why we’re breaking the mould by celebrating innovators from all walks of life.
Our Debunking Stereotypes campaign brings together Young Innovators and Women in Innovation awardees to share what innovation means to them, and how they’re redefining the word for future generations.
Meet the innovators changing the narrative
Through their stories, you’ll see that innovation isn’t limited to labs, tech hubs, or boardrooms. It’s in the beauty counter, the breakfast aisle, the coffee shop, the design studio, and beyond. Watch the full campaign playlist or read their individual profiles.
Pearce Jarret – Gwann.ai – The innovator who breaks from the norm.
Pearce is using AI to unlock creative potential and make innovation more accessible.
Yuru Guo – Hey! Food is Ready – The innovator next door.
Yuru is connecting communities through food, helping home chefs turn their passion into thriving businesses.
Bella Trang Ngo – Brarista – The innovator who pushes boundaries.
Bella is brewing more than coffee, she’s building opportunities for connection and empowerment.
Michael Omotosho – Plugull – The innovator who brings walls down.
Michael is redefining sustainable fashion with a brand that’s stylish, ethical, and inclusive.
Dilrini De Silva – Jāna Bio – The innovator who breaks limiting beliefs.
Dilrini is advancing biotechnology to create solutions that improve lives around the world.
Pete Barr – Enayball – The innovator who explores the unexplored.
Pete is championing creativity by making art accessible to people with physical disabilities.
Why it matters
By amplifying these voices, Debunking Stereotypes challenges assumptions about who can be an innovator and what innovation looks like. It also provides role models for future changemakers, showing that the path to innovation can be a unique as the individuals shaping it.
Visit our Young Innovators and Women in Innovation programmes for more information and join us in the movement.
Related programmes
Young Innovators
Celebrating young people with great business ideas. Whether you’re launching a startup, solving real-world problems, or just need the right connections to turn your idea into reality, we can support you through mentorship, networking, and expert advice.
Women in Innovation
Enabling brilliant women across the UK to fully achieve their vision for their businesses and change the world, while championing and celebrating gender diversity throughout UK innovation.
Women Innovators in the Foundation Industries (WINFI)
On International Women in Engineering Day 2022, the Innovate UK Business Connect Materials Team and the Transforming Foundation Industries Challenge launched the Women Innovators in Foundation Industries (WINFI) programme.