The TBAT Innovation Challenge

An annual programme that supports innovative UK SMEs with funding, expertise and commercial insight.

More than a competition, the TBAT Innovation Challenge is a structured programme that supports every participating business on its innovation journey.

 The TBAT Innovation Challenge, by Dains, in partnership with Headline Sponsor Shakespeare Martineau and Platinum Sponsor Barclays Eagle Labs is an annual programme designed to champion ambitious, forward-thinking businesses.

The programme launches with five free, expert-led online workshops, running from March to July, each tailored to support innovative businesses at different stages of growth. Open to all businesses at no cost, attendees can choose to join individual sessions or the full series. There is no obligation to attend every workshop.

Following the workshop series, businesses will be invited to enter the Innovation Challenge competition by completing a short application form. Entry is open to all eligible businesses, regardless of whether they participated in the workshops.

After applications close, the Top 10 shortlisted businesses will be selected to pitch live at our Finalist Showcase event in October. This high-energy event brings founders in front of expert judges and industry leaders, culminating in the announcement of one winner and two runners-up.

View our application process

The Innovation Challenge Finalists all standing on a stage at the Finalist Showcase

Browse our 2026 workshops

Workshop 1 – From Idea to Initiation

18th March, 2026

Full details

Workshop 2 – Developing, Protecting, and Preparing to Grow

22nd April, 2026

Full details

Workshop 3 – Investment, Traction & the Team

20th May, 2026

Full details

Workshop 4 – The Launch & Scale Phase

24th June, 2026

Full details

Workshop 5 – MedTech & Life Sciences

8th July, 2026

Full details

Applying for the 2026 TBAT Innovation Challenge

2nd July, 2026

Full details

The Competition Stage – Who Can Apply?

Any business can apply for the Innovation Challenge competition, whether you have attended our workshops or not.

  • Start-ups: UK Businesses 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 Prize Package

The overall winner of the Innovation Challenge will be awarded a £50,000 cash prize to invest in R&D* (full T&Cs apply), alongside access to a £95,000 comprehensive support package from our partners, designed to accelerate business growth and long-term success.

This support package will be shared across the top three finalists, with each business receiving a bespoke package tailored to their specific goals, challenges, and stage of development, ensuring meaningful, high-impact support where it matters most.

View details of our Application Process View Full Prize Package Details
Our Sponsors
Shakespeare Barclays Eagle Labs Kappika Master Logo SprkCapital Logo RGB (002) OPD Sequel Logo Clear (002) Dains Logo Full Colour RGB Forresters Sponsors Logo Blue RGB (1) Datalink Logo SOTAS logo 4 col png no strap line Isosceles NEW 2023 A (6) (002) Rhodes Wealth Management Merged MedTech Logos

Testimonial

A&B Smart Materials was honoured to receive the TBAT Innovation Challenge award, which recognised the strong progress we had made over recent months. The cash prize came at an ideal time, just ahead of the close of our £1.5m pre-seed fundraise, and provided valuable momentum as we entered our next phase of growth. We are very much looking forward to working with TBAT and benefiting from the expert support and services offered as part of the award.

Amaury Van Trappen, CEO & Co-Founder - A&B Smart Materials

Is your business interested in applying to win the 2026 Innovation Challenge?

Register Your Interest
*£50k cash to invest in R&D for IC26 Winner, supported by Kappika Ventures and Pera.
Funds will be available to the winner within 30 days of the award, subject to completion of an R&D Services and Warrant Agreement. Cash 80% up front with 20% reserved for completion.
Winner must agree to Full T&Cs and provide a case study/report in the form of a paper or presentation. You can find examples here: https://www.perainternational.com/category/current-projects/