The Women in Innovation Awards 2025/2026 is one of the United Kingdom’s leading funding opportunities for women founders and co-founders. Powered by Innovate UK, this programme supports women-led businesses with a grant of up to £75,000 and a full year of personalized business support. The goal is to empower innovative women entrepreneurs who are building scalable businesses in high-growth sectors.
Applications open on 26 November 2025 and close on 4 February 2026 at 11:00 am (UK time).
What the Women in Innovation Awards Offer
Innovate UK plans to award up to 60 women innovators, provided they meet eligibility criteria and submit strong applications. Selected founders will receive:
- Up to £75,000 grant funding
- A 12-month package of tailored business support
- Mentorship, visibility opportunities, and strategic guidance
In addition, applicants who are highly rated but not selected for funding may still receive one year of tailored support.
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Focus Areas for 2025/2026
This edition supports innovations connected to three high-growth industries highlighted in the UK Industrial Strategy:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Digital & Technology
- Life Sciences
Applicants must show strong potential for growth and a plan to raise significant investment in the next 12–24 months.
Who Should Apply?
Women founders and co-founders with UK-registered micro, small, or medium enterprises (SMEs) can apply. Businesses should be at the late-stage start-up phase, meaning you should:
- Already have a prototype or Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
- Have early user or customer interest
- Understand your target market
- Have begun forming a small team
- Be able to demonstrate a realistic path to scaling
This is a competitive process. The 2024/25 round had a 3.4% success rate, so applicants must prepare thoroughly.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
- Complete the mandatory suitability checker before applying
- Lead or co-lead a UK-registered business
- Submit applications via the Innovation Funding Service (IFS)
- Ensure all sections, documents, and costs are properly completed
- Submit before the deadline, late submissions are not accepted
Innovate UK also evaluates an applicant’s prior conduct, including unresolved payments or previous funding responsibilities.
Accessibility and Support
Innovate UK ensures the application process is open to all. Applicants with disabilities or long-term conditions may request reasonable adjustments. You are encouraged to reach out at least 15 working days before the deadline.
You must read the guidance on applying for a competition on the Innovation Funding Service before you start.
Key Dates
- Competition Opens: 26 November 2025
- Deadline: 4 February 2026, 11:00 am (UK Time)
- Eligible Grant Amount: Up to £75,000
How to Apply
- Create or sign in to your account via the Innovation Funding Service.
- Complete the suitability checker.
- Fill all required sections of the application.
- Upload appendices where required.
- Review and submit before the deadline.
Applications not submitted through IFS will not be accepted.
For more information, visit the Women in Innovation Awards.
