On 5 August 2026 Innovate UK named its largest-ever Women in Innovation cohort: 61 award winners each receive a £75,000 grant plus 12 months of tailored business support, with 39 highly commended founders getting the same support package (100 women recognised in total). The awards target women-led late-stage startups in advanced manufacturing, digital and technologies, and life sciences, spanning every UK nation and region. The next round of applications opened 26 November 2025 and closed 4 February 2026, offering up to 60 further £75,000 grants.
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Innovate UK awards 61 women founders £75,000 grants in record 2026 cohort
Why this matters for founders
Women founders of late-stage UK startups in manufacturing, digital/tech or life sciences should watch for the next Women in Innovation call on the UKRI/Innovate UK site and prepare an application—the £75,000 grant plus a year of mentoring is non-dilutive. Even non-winners with 'highly commended' status get the full 12-month support package, so it is worth applying.
Source: UKRI (Innovate UK)
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