Innovate UK has officially opened applications for its Women in Innovation Awards 2025/26, one of the UK’s flagship initiatives supporting female innovators across science, technology, business, and entrepreneurship.
The programme, now well-established as a catalyst for women-led innovation, offers funding, visibility, and tailored support to help female founders scale their ideas into commercially impactful ventures.
Applications opened today, Wednesday 26 November at 12:00pm, with the competition running through to Tuesday 4 February. The initiative continues Innovate UK’s commitment to reducing barriers for women in STEM and entrepreneurship, ensuring more women have the opportunity and backing to bring groundbreaking ideas to market.
Winners of the Women in Innovation Awards typically receive:
- Funding to develop and scale their innovation
- Targeted business and leadership support
- Mentorship and access to Innovate UK’s wider innovation ecosystem
- Increased visibility across UK industry and government networks
Innovate UK has also released a communications pack to help partners amplify the launch—reflecting the growing national focus on championing women-led innovation and ensuring women founders have equitable access to opportunity.
The Invest in Women Hub is committed to supporting this mission and encouraging greater participation from women innovators across the UK.
Source: Innovate UK (Women in Innovation Awards 2025/26 announcement)