TBAT Innovation is excited to announce the launch of The Innovation Challenge, an initiative aimed at supporting SMEs in their quest for innovation and growth. The programme, meticulously crafted by TBAT’s expert team, brings together key partners to provide invaluable support and guidance to businesses looking to innovate.

The Innovation Challenge, powered by TBAT, with headline sponsor Shakespeare Martineau, will feature four dynamic free-to-attend workshops, addressing critical topics essential for SMEs:

• Workshop 1 – Finance: All you need to know to fund your business growth and innovation. Full details/Register here
• Workshop 2 – People & Recruitment: Recruiting and retaining the best talent for your company.Full details/Register here
• Workshop 3 – Product Development & Protection: Strategies for designing and safeguarding your innovation. Full details/Register here
• Workshop 4 – Commercialisation: Successfully bringing your product to market and securing funding. Full details/Register here

These online workshops are strategically designed to address common barriers hindering innovation in businesses, offering practical solutions to mitigate delays in R&D projects or product launches.

Taking place between March-June, the workshops will provide participants with insights and strategies to overcome these challenges.

In June 2024, following the workshops, applications will open for businesses to submit comprehensive business plans to be eligible to win the Innovation Challenge. In October 2024, a finalist showcase event will be held for the top 10 finalists, providing them with the opportunity to present their business to key investors, with the winner to be announced thereafter.

The winner will receive an exciting prize package, which includes a £5,000 cash prize and a tailored support package from select partners. Two runners-up will also receive support packages from participating partners. Confirmed partners for the £50,000 innovation support package include:
• Shakespeare Martineau
• Forresters IP
• Bulb Design
• EMBS
• Oxford Product Design
• Red Marlin
• Rocking Horse Group
• Conformance

The Innovation Challenge is open to any UK SME looking to innovate and grow. To be eligible for the prize package, applicants must be UK-based SMEs with a sustainable business strategy, working on a disruptive hardware or software project.

Registration for the workshops and participation in The Innovation Challenge is free and companies are actively encouraged to take part.

For full information, please visit https://tbat.co.uk/the-innovation-challenge/