Infocus awards to help support women in innovation

Innovate UK has launched the infocus awards for women as part of a new ‘infocus’ initiative to encourage diversity in innovation.

Innovate UK has up to £200,000 and a package of tailored support to award to businesswomen who have exciting ideas and the potential to become leaders in innovation and deliver significant economic growth.

The infocus awards will celebrate and reward women working across four key sectors - Materials & Manufacturing, Health & Life Sciences, Infrastructure Systems and Emerging & Enabling Technologies.

Each of the 12 finalists in the competition will receive a package of support tailored to their needs, and the four winners will each receive £50,000 to support their innovation project or activities.

Innovate are looking for women who:

• have real potential to become leaders in business innovation and/or successful entrepreneurs
• have exciting ideas that promise significant economic value to the UK
• are comfortable taking on the position of role model
• are willing to engage in activities to encourage and inspire other women to get involved
• have a clear vision for their future and area of innovation they plan to focus on
• have a plan to use the award money and support to progress that plan
• have relevant experience of making innovation happen
• have the capability and personal drive to achieve success

For more information or to apply, visit the Gov.uk website.

Find out more about the Equality and Diversity Steering Group (EDSG).