As part of our mission to support regional innovation, and with TBAT Innovation as a Patron of Medilink Midlands, we’re pleased to share the launch of the 2026 TBAT Innovation Challenge by Dains, now open and backing bold innovation across UK SMEs.
With Shakespeare Martineau as Headline Sponsor and Barclays Eagle Labs & Innovation Banking Team as Platinum Sponsor, IC26 brings together an outstanding group of partners to support ambitious founders. This 9-month programme gives innovators access to five free online workshops (March June, registrations now open) and the chance to pitch at the live Finalist Showcase in
October for an exciting prize package:
- £50,000 Grand Prize
- 2 x £5,000 Runner-Up Awards
- £1,000 Rising Star Award
- £95,000+ in tailored business support for the top three (winner and two runners-up)
Extra value for MedTech & Life Sciences innovators includes:
- A dedicated Workshop 5 (8 July) focused on regulation, evidence, healthcare
engagement and routes to adoption. - Prize: A Start-Up Zone exhibition stand at Med-Tech Expo (NEC, June 2027) plus a 5
minute pitch slot at PITCH 2027. - Prize: An exhibition stand in the Start-Up Zone at CPHI Milan 2026 (6–8 October 2026),
including 1 x flight and accommodation.
Innovators can take part in the workshops, apply to the competition, or do both. Many founders use the sessions to build their knowledge and strengthen their pitch before applying.
For full information and to register for the workshops, please visit: https://tbat.co.uk/the-innovation-challenge/
#IC26 #TBATInnovationChallenge #SME #Innovation
