The Innovation Challenge proudly presented by TBAT Innovation with headline sponsor Shakespeare Martineau has been expertly crafted by our team to stimulate innovation within SMEs.

The Innovation Challenge 2024 has attracted a wide array of ground-breaking projects from SMEs aiming to drive technological advancements, sustainability, and societal impact. As part of the program, we hosted four intensive workshops, each led by industry experts from our esteemed partner network, designed to provide participants with vital insights and skills to help refine their business ideas.

Following these workshops, applicants were invited to submit their business plans for a chance of being this years winner. The winning SME will receive a £5k cash prize, as well as part of a £65k support package. Additionally, two runners-up will also receive a support package from the £65k prize fund, helping further develop their innovative projects.

After careful deliberation from a panel of expert judges, the Top 10 finalists have been selected. These companies will have the opportunity to pitch their projects at the final showcase at The National Space Centre in Leicester on 9th October 2024, where the winner will be announced.

The Top 10 Finalists for the 2024 Innovation Challenge

• Biofuel Evolution: Biofuel Evolution, a pioneering start-up in biotechnology and cleantech, addresses waste at its root by combining compositional analyses and data analytics with bioengineering processes.
  
• Flux Aviation: Flux Aviation are developing electric motors and batteries to power next-generation electric aircraft – from 2-seat trainer aircraft up to 50-seat regional airliners.   
• InterVent Cardio Ltd: InterVent Cardio Ltd use 21st Century space technological know-how to provide innovative medical device solutions for patients with heart disease.
• CoolRun: The company’s flagship product, the CoolRun Pod, is a game-changer in zero-emission, temperature-controlled transport, effectively addressing the inefficiencies in the current last-mile delivery network. 
• Qube Buildings Limited: Qube Buildings’ Bio-SIP™ system combines recycled plastics and natural fibres for sustainable, energy-efficient modular construction, reshaping the industry with eco-friendly, reusable designs. 
• Plasticell Ltd: Plasticell is discovering new cell therapy product development using a proprietary ground-breaking combinatorial cell culture platform and big data analytics.
• Cambridge Surgical Models: Cambridge Surgical Models is a MedTech start-up developing the next generation of artificial anatomical models for surgical training. 
• Pipeline Organics: Pipeline Organics is a deeptech company developing first-in-class Biofuel Cells that can generate industrial-scale, zero-carbon electricity from wastewater in the Food and Beverage industry. 
• C-Prio Ltd: C-Prio is a start-up pioneering an advanced AI tool for cancer diagnosis and drug discovery, offering unparalleled training efficiency and accuracy in the field, with three extra USPs. 
• Anima People – A cutting-edge platform combining cybersecurity and organisational health monitoring. They leverage behavioural analytics and AI to strengthen threat resilience.

Each finalist will present their innovations to an audience of investors, workshop partners, and key players from TBAT’s expansive network in the hopes of being crowned this year’s winner.

The Prize Packages:

TBAT Innovation Ltd: Expert grant funding application support and bid writing service.

Shakespeare Martineau: Legal support tailored to your needs.

Modus Accountants: 1st year of accounts.

Forresters: An in-depth Intellectual Property (IP) Audit to protect your innovations.

Oxford Product Design Ltd: Tap into cutting-edge Product Design Consultancy Services.

Rocking Horse Group UK – R&D Advance Funding: Access R&D Tax Credit Loans and Advanced Grant Funding with a waived fee.

EMBS Talent: Elevate your team with a Recruitment Fitness Assessment, employer brand development, and digital talent platforms.

CrowdPull: PR support and strategy sessions.

CPHI Milan – Exhibition Stand in Start Up Zone at CPHI Milan 2024 (8th-10th October 2024)

MedTech Makers Lab – Accommodation and return flights to Milan (to attend CPHI Milan 2024)

Conformance Limited: Get two days of expert consulting support for CE/UKCA marking.

The Innovation Challenge is a yearly event and will relaunch again in February 2025. For further details on the Challenge, please visit: https://tbat.co.uk/the-innovation-challenge/