Accelerate your company’s growth through innovation
Innovate UK Women in Innovation was launched in 2016 to encourage more women to apply to Innovate UK funding opportunities. Since its inception, the programme has enabled brilliant women across the UK to fully achieve their vision for their businesses and change the world.
Our research into women innovators highlighted access to funding and finance as their biggest barrier to success. They also struggled with the lack of visible role models and inability to reach the right networks.
Over the last nine years, we’ve championed women entrepreneurship and aimed to dismantle barriers to growth, whilst inspiring more women into innovation.
In response to feedback from our Women in Innovation community we’ve made 10 key refinements to this year’s awards, from clearer eligibility and refined application processes, to more accessible applicant guidance, and closer alignment with the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy
The Women in Innovation Awards are unlocking the UK’s untapped potential within our community of women innovators; if men and women started and scaled businesses at the same rate this could be worth as much as £250 billion for the UK economy. This record £4.5 million investment will empower ambitious women founders to scale their businesses, drive economic growth, and inspire the next generation of innovators
– Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology
Now Open: Women in Innovation Awards 2025/26
This competition will focus on late-stage startups in three high-growth sectors identified in the UK’s Industrial Strategy. Awardees will benefit from a 12 month support package that includes up to £75K, tailored business support, and a suite of training, networking and role-modelling opportunities.
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Women in Innovation Award Winners
Ilisha Masaun
Personalising education through AI.
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Monica Saavedra
Revolutionising greenhouse farming with light-manipulating technology.
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Dupe Burgess
Digital therapeutics for accessible gynaecological care.
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Bridgeen Callan
Transforming melanoma treatment through photodynamic therapy.
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Impact
Women in Innovation has had an incredible impact so far and kickstarted real change across the innovation system.
>£11m
awarded since 2016
>200
winners supported
>100%
increase in women applying for Innovate UK funding
>11,000
in our vibrant community
Success stories from pioneering women innovators
Previous winners of the Women in Innovation Awards have had a huge impact on developing innovative businesses while creating a new community of women entrepreneurs, proving that anything is possible. The stories of our remarkable award winners will inspire the next generation of women change-makers.
Explore stories
PARTNERSHIPS
Purple Plaques
Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award winners are inspiring more girls into STEM careers, by returning to their former schools, running workshops for the students, and unveiling commemorative Purple Plaques.
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The Women in Innovation Awards are unlocking the UK’s untapped potential within our community of women innovators; if men and women started and scaled businesses at the same rate this could be worth as much as £250 billion for the UK economy. This record £4.5 million investment will empower ambitious women founders to scale their businesses, drive economic growth, and inspire the next generation of innovators
— Stella Peace, Managing Director, Innovate UK
Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation Awards spotlight the UK’s most groundbreaking women entrepreneurs. This year’s winners have shown incredible leadership and creativity. We’re thrilled to support them in scaling their businesses and inspiring the next wave of women innovators. Their success stories will undoubtedly pave the way for more women to enter and thrive in the world of innovation.
— Emily Nott, Head of Inclusive Innovation Programmes at Innovate UK
Having had a complete career change in my forties, this award was all about improving my business fluency. Working with my Innovate UK Business Growth advisor has opened access to training and education, which has hugely benefited me and will continue to be instrumental in my company’s success.
— Louise Ben-Nathan, Founder, LBN Innovations
When I joined the Women in Innovation programme, we were just starting to trade. The in-person and financial support was so timely, helping us invest in small but pricey equipment we normally wouldn't be able to afford at that stage. It also allowed us to take the right risks that would bring tonnes of value.
— Beren Kayali, Co-Founder, Deploy Tech
Confidence was something I really lacked in most areas including sales and pitching…the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Awards literally changed my life, from the business support and investment to the networking and peer support from the cohort. I could not be more grateful.
— Alison Callwood, Co-Founder & CEO, Sammi-Select
Our Experts
Related Events and Recordings
Thu
8
Jan
2026
Women in Innovation 2025-26 applicant support: Live Q&A webinar
11.30 - 12.30 | Online
Register for this event
Wed
17
Dec
2025
Thu
15
Jan
2026
Enabling Clean Growth for UK Industries Webinar Series
13.00 - 14.30 | Online
Register for this event
Related News
06/10/2025
Progress on our commitments to women innovators
We listened, we learned, and we’re taking concrete steps to make innovation more inclusive. Read about the progress we are making against each of our commitments towards visibility and inclusivity.
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25/06/2025
Introducing the Women in Innovation Community Forum
We are delighted to officially launch the Women in Innovation Community Forum: a new space for collaboration, open dialogue, and shared insight that will keep women’s perspectives at the heart of Innovate UK’s future work.
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Related Opportunities
Women in Innovation Awards 2025/26
Opens: 26/11/2025 Closes: 04/02/2026
Women founders or co-founders of UK registered SMEs can apply for a package of support that includes a grant of up to £75,000 and bespoke business support, to further their ambitious growth plans.
More Information
British Business Bank Start-up Loans
Apply anytime
Unsecured loans of up to £25,000 for UK businesses which have been operating for 3 years or less, repayable over 1-5 years.
More Information
CyberASAP Pathfinder 2026
Opens: 06/11/2025 Closes: 04/12/2025
CyberASAP Pathfinder is a three-day bootcamp for academics, providing the necessary guidance and support for researchers to commercialise their ideas.
More Information
Support for innovators
How we help
Whether you are an early-stage, pre-seed innovator, or a more established company, there are many networks and resources out there to support your innovation journey. It can be confusing to know which is right for your innovation and stage of business.
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No Limits
Develop your talent, discover opportunities to build your skills and secure investment for innovation. No Limits, launched by Innovate UK, brings you the best programmes from innovative organisations across the UK.
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NEWSLETTER
Women in Innovation newsletter
We are proud to support a vibrant Women in Innovation community that encompasses over 11,000 members. Sign up to the Women in Innovation newsletter to learn about our latest news, events and funding opportunities.