The Innovation Challenge is brought to you by TBAT Innovation with headline sponsor Shakespeare Martineau and has been designed by our expert team to stimulate and support innovation in SMEs. It leverages the expertise of our unique partner network while seeing our partners come together to deliver four free to attend, vibrant and informative workshops.

We invite applications for businesses to complete the simple registration page and upload any relevant documents to be considered for our suite of exciting prizes. APPLY HERE!

The winner will receive a £5,000 cash prize and support packages from partners involved in The Innovation Challenge, tailored to their needs. Furthermore, two runners up will receive a free support package from partners involved in The Innovation Challenge.

Who can apply?

  • Startups: UK Businesses that are three years old or younger are eligible to apply.
  • UK Businesses over three years old that are still heavily involved in R&D or looking to introduce new technology.
  • Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Those who are seeking to launch a business in the UK.
  • Technology-based Businesses: To be eligible, your business must offer a product or service that is technology-based, showcasing innovative solutions in various sectors.

The Top 10 Finalists will be invited to present a 3-minute pitch at our Finalist Showcase Event, being held on the evening of 11th October 2023, at the Hilton Hotel in Castle Donington; where the winner and 2 runner’s up will be selected and announced.

APPLY NOW! The application window is now open, and will close on 31st August. APPLY HERE

Online Workshops (1pm-5pm)

The Innovation Challenge will see partners come together to deliver four free to attend, vibrant and informative workshops. Further details can be accessed via the links below:

  • 23 March: FINANCE – All you need to know to fund your business growth
    Recordings Part 1Part 2 – SLIDES
  • 27 April: PEOPLE & RECRUITMENT – Recruiting and retaining the best people you can
    Recordings Part 1Part 2 – SLIDES
  • 25 May: PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT & PROTECTION – How to design and protect your innovation
    Recordings Part 1Part 2 –  SLIDES
  • 15 June: COMMERCIALISATION – Successfully going into market and securing funding
    Recordings Part 1Part 2 – Slides

These topics are barriers that many innovative businesses face, and can cause delays to R&D projects or taking innovative products to market. By discussing these problematic areas openly, the challenge aims to highlight opportunities to reduce the effects of these barriers.

Find out more and apply here

Latest Opportunities

The Open University Mentoring Opportunity

Are you looking to get involved in some mentoring in the New Year? For 2026,…

Mental Health First Aid training offer for the Medilink Midlands network

What Red Umbrella offer With tailored delivery and expert integration, every Red Umbrella engagement is…

Office for Life Sciences Bulletin – 4 December 2025

The Office for Life Sciences (OLS) is a joint unit between the Department of Health…

Latest News

New pilot programme launches to address life sciences skills gap across Midlands and East of England

Medilink Midlands partners with the University of Warwick and Anglia Ruskin University to upskill future life…

IC26 is here, and it’s bigger than ever!

As part of our mission to support regional innovation, and with TBAT Innovation as a…

Join 3P innovation and ISPE UK Affiliate for the UK Pharmaceutical & MedTech Innovations event

Join 3P innovation and ISPE UK Affiliate as we bring together industry leaders, innovators, and…

Your innovation deserves recognition

The Medilink Midlands Awards are now open, celebrating outstanding innovation across the region’s medtech and life sciences sector.

With 10 categories to enter, now’s the time to showcase your achievements.
Extended Deadline Date: 16th January

Start your application today.

Almost There! Just Tell Us a Bit About You​

Almost There! Just Tell Us a Bit About You​

Almost There! Just Tell Us a Bit About You​

Almost There! Just Tell Us a Bit About You​

Almost There! Just Tell Us a Bit About You​

Almost There! Just Tell Us a Bit About You​

Almost There! Just Tell Us a Bit About You​

Almost There! Just Tell Us a Bit About You​

Almost There! Just Tell Us a Bit About You​

Almost There! Just Tell Us a Bit About You​

Almost There! Just Tell Us a Bit About You​