The Innovation Challenge, powered by TBAT Innovation and headline sponsor Shakespeare Martineau will see partners come together to deliver four VIRTUAL, free-to-attend, vibrant and informative workshops on the topics of:

• Finance – All you need to know to fund your business growth and innovation (Thur 23 March 1-5pm)
• People & Recruitment – Recruiting and retaining the best peple you can (Thur 27 April 1-5pm)
• Product Development and Protection – How to design and protect your innovation (Thur 25 May 1-5pm)
• Commercialisation – Successfully going to market and securing funding (Thur 15 June 1-5pm)

These topics are barriers that many innovative businesses face, and can cause delays to R&D projects or taking innovative products to market. By discussing these problematic areas openly, the challenge aims to highlight opportunities to reduce the effects of these barriers. The workshops will be held monthly and run from Spring 2023.

In March 2023, prior to the workshops, applications will open for businesses to submit a full business plan and be eligible to win the exciting prize package – a £5,000 cash prize and 5-day support packages from partners, tailored to their needs. Two runners-up will also receive free support from partners too. In October 2023, a showcase for the top 10 finalists will be held and the winners will be announced. Finalists will have the opportunity to present their businesses in a 10-minute pitch in front of key investors.Find out more about The Innovation Challenge and register to join the workshops HERE.