The UK’s next generation of innovators
Young Innovators are creative disruptors, aged 18-30, who are turning bold ideas into high-impact businesses. By developing innovative solutions to pressing environmental, societal, or economic issues, these emerging leaders are not just dreaming of a better future – they’re building it.
Through Innovate UK’s support, Young Innovators gain access to funding, tailored advice from experts, skills training, and the No Limits platform – plus a supportive peer network that connects them with relatable role models and like-minded individuals across the UK.
Accessibility and inclusion
Great ideas can come from anyone, anywhere. Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our Young Innovators community, helping make innovation more accessible, visible and inclusive. To date, we’ve built a vibrant community of almost 6,000 young innovators – including aspiring founders, award alumni, mentors, and supporters – who connect through our events, social media and networking opportunities. If you need support with your Innovate UK grant application please see our Reasonable Adjustments service.
How we help
In addition to the Innovate UK Young Innovators Award, which has already supported more that 250 change-makers across the UK, we offer a wide range of support opportunities for aspiring innovators. Whether its tailored guidance from industry experts, training to develop innovation skills, or access to a vibrant peer network, we can equip young people with the skills, advice and connections they need to turn bold ideas into real‑world ventures. Learn more about how we help.
BENEFITS
Expert Advice
We have expertise across a whole range of skill sets, sectors and disciplines. Our people are experienced collaborators who are set up to understand your innovation project and connect you to our network of business, academics, funders and opportunities.
BENEFITS
Funding
The Innovate UK Young Innovators Award helps 18–30 year-olds to kick-start their innovation journey with funding, one-to-one business support, and a comprehensive package of training, networking and role-modelling opportunities.
BENEFITS
Community
Our events and webinars cover a variety of topics to support innovators wherever they are on their journey, delivered by industry experts, businesses and alumni of our awards. Join our networking events to meet likeminded innovators in the same sector or region.
Success stories from young people with game changing ideas
Over the years, Young Innovators Awardees have launched groundbreaking businesses, tackling real-world challenges in areas like sustainability, technology, and social impact. Through funding, mentorship, and support, they have built thriving businesses and made a lasting difference. Explore their journeys, discover how they’ve grown, and be inspired.
Explore case studies
Meet the winners of the Young Innovators award 2022-2023
Explore the profiles of our 94 most recent Young Innovators, who span every nation and region of the UK. This new wave of change-makers is developing fresh solutions to pressing global challenges – from waste-reducing smart bins to self-sanitising makeup brushes to carbon-negative concrete. Learn more about these future innovation leaders.
View profiles
Winners brochure 2021-2022
From planet-saving wines to smart pollinator sensors - fresh thinking with purpose.
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Winners brochure 2020-2021
From baby-saving towels to seaweed-based leather – bold solutions for big challenges.
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Winners brochure 2019-2020
From microplastic filters to urban vertical farms – smart ideas making real impact.
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Before the Young Innovators programme, I was only entertaining a concept. But now, I’m in the real business of running a startup that has a very promising future, and I can’t wait to see it grow into a sustainable business.
— Seyed Nasrollahi, Founder at Unifiq Games
The programme provided a structure for learning and development that helped me evolve from someone with a vision into a more strategic, confident leader. It challenged me to think beyond the initial concept, focusing on scaling, sustainability and measurable impact.
— ZeZe Sohawon, founder of Emotion Dysregulation in Autism
You get out what you put in! There are so many training sessions, workshops and mentorship opportunities. It’s important to practise and apply the knowledge you’ll learn throughout the Young Innovators programme.
— Yusuf Ben-Tarifite, Founder of The Aspiring Medics
No Limits to your potential
No Limits is here to fuel your innovation journey. Are you developing a new innovation? Expanding your professional network? Sharpening your skills? Looking for investment or expert advice? With opportunities from over 170 trusted partners, the No Limits platform can connect you with resources, events and networks you need to succeed.
Explore the No Limits platform
Other available support
Startup Connect
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, our expertise connects you to the right tools and people to overcome barriers and grow your business.
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Future Leaders Fellowships
Supporting talented individuals to tackle ambitious, cross-sector innovation for long-term real world impact.
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ICURe programme
Helping early-stage research teams explore the commercial potential of their ideas through structured training, funding, and expert guidance.
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How we help
It can be confusing to know what is right for your innovation and stage of business – we're here to help you through your innovation journey.
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Our Experts
NEWSLETTER
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