Innovate UK has revealed the 2026 cohort for its Women in Innovation Awards, which includes 100 women entrepreneurs from across the UK. These innovators are working on solutions in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, digital and technologies, and life sciences.
Among the 100 women recognised, 61 award winners will receive a £75,000 grant along with 12 months of tailored business support, training, networking, and mentoring. The remaining 39 highly commended applicants will also receive the 12-month business support package.
The innovations span various fields, including wearable technology to detect dehydration risk in older adults, a carbon-negative alternative to plastic foams, and non-invasive home diagnostics using menstrual blood. Other projects include converting harmful algal blooms into sustainable fuels and AI designed to reduce MRI scan times by up to 90%.
Since its launch in 2016, the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Awards have invested over £15 million in 260 women innovators. Previous winners have collectively secured an additional £358 million in funding and investment.