The Innovation Challenge 2024, proudly presented by TBAT Innovation, with Headline Sponsor Shakespeare Martineau, has attracted an impressive array of groundbreaking projects from SMEs across the UK. Designed to stimulate innovation, sustainability, and technological advancements, the challenge provides a unique platform for SMEs to showcase their game-changing ideas.

As part of the programme, TBAT Innovation hosted four in-depth workshops throughout March to June led by industry experts from their esteemed partner network. These sessions were designed to equip participants with valuable insights and tools to refine their business ideas before submitting their business plans for a chance to be the 2024 winner.

The winning SME will receive a £5,000 cash prize, as well as part of a £65,000 support package. Additionally, two runners-up will also receive a support package from the prize fund, helping further develop their innovative projects.

After careful deliberation by an expert panel of judges, TBAT are thrilled to announce the Top 10 Finalists who will pitch their projects at the Finalist Showcase event in Leicester on 9 October 2024.

The Top 10 Finalists:

  • Biofuel Evolution: Biofuel Evolution, a pioneering start-up in biotechnology and cleantech, addresses waste at its root by combining compositional analyses and data analytics with bioengineering processes.
  • Flux Aviation: Flux Aviation are developing electric motors and batteries to power next-generation electric aircraft – from 2-seat trainer aircraft up to 50-seat regional airliners.
  • InterVent Cardio Ltd: InterVent Cardio Ltd use 21st Century space technological know-how to provide innovative medical device solutions for patients with heart disease.
  • CoolRun: The company’s flagship product, the CoolRun Pod, is a game-changer in zero-emission, temperature-controlled transport, effectively addressing the inefficiencies in the current last-mile delivery network.
  • Qube Buildings Limited: Qube Buildings’ Bio-SIP™ system combines recycled plastics and natural fibres for sustainable, energy-efficient modular construction, reshaping the industry with ecofriendly, reusable designs.
  • Plasticell Ltd: Plasticell is discovering new cell therapy product development using a proprietary ground-breaking combinatorial cell culture platform and big data analytics.
  • Cambridge Surgical Models: Cambridge Surgical Models is a MedTech start-up developing the next generation of artificial anatomical models for surgical training.
  • Pipeline Organics: Pipeline Organics is a deeptech company developing first-in-class Biofuel Cells that can generate industrial-scale, zero-carbon electricity from wastewater in the Food and Beverage industry.
  • C-Prio Ltd: C-Prio is a start-up pioneering an advanced AI tool for cancer diagnosis and drug discovery, offering unparalleled training efficiency and accuracy in the field, with three extra USPs.
  • Anima People – A cutting-edge platform combining cybersecurity and organisational health monitoring. They leverage behavioural analytics and AI to strengthen threat resilience.

These finalists will present their cutting-edge innovations to a panel of investors, partners, and key stakeholders from TBAT’s expansive network, with the hope of being named the 2024 Innovation Challenge winner.

Partners contributing to the £65k support package include:

  • Shakespeare Martineau
  • Forresters IP
  • Bulb Design
  • EMBS
  • Oxford Product Design
  • CrowdPull
  • Rocking Horse Group
  • Conformance
  • MedTechMakers
  • CPHI Milan
  • The CFO Centre

Sam Stephens, Founding Director of TBAT Innovation Ltd, said: “The showcase is a culmination of months of dedication and innovation, and I’m eager to experience the brilliant solutions that these innovators have developed. It’s a moment to celebrate not just their achievements, but the potential these innovations have to shape the future.”

Article provided by Medilink Midlands Patron TBAT Innovation.

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