Emerging Technologies Competition

Identifying and supporting entrepreneurs developing ground-breaking, chemistry-led innovations. 

About the Competition

Through the Emerging Technologies Competition, we have had the privilege to kickstart a number of deep tech chemistry ventures with early-stage ideas onto their commercialisation journey. Every year, we select a cohort of businesses developing technologies with the potential to tackle societal challenges, support a sustainable future, and drive economic growth. 

Over the last 10 years the Emerging Technologies Competition has partnered with some of the largest multinational companies in chemistry, including Unilever, Johnson Matthey, Reckitt, Pepsico, AstraZeneca, Croda, Petronas and Givaudan. 

Our industry partners play an important role in evaluating the applications and providing guidance to the entrepreneurs in the development of their technologies.

 

How it works

Each year, the Competition welcomes applications from early-stage start-ups, spin-outs and academic entrepreneurs who are developing novel and disruptive chemistry technologies in four categories: Enabling Technologies, Energy, Environment, Health. 

Full details about the eligibility criteria and Competition process can be found on the Emerging Technology Competition website.  

The prizes 

  • Opportunity to showcase your technology to investors, corporate leaders and the deep tech chemistry community. 
  • Wider support and advice from our Competition partners and judges during the final.
  • Opportunity to join Change Makers for ventures, if you are an eligible UK registered company. 
  • University-based entrepreneurs (non-incorporated) will have free attendance on a special edition of Spin Up Science's Pioneer Program.  
  • A share of the £100,000 prize pot.
  • Press coverage and exposure on the Royal Society of Chemistry’s social media channels.
“One of the major outcomes of winning the competition was the huge interest from investors... the spotlight and marketing the competition provided for the company was huge.”

Andy West, Chief Chemist, Bio-Sep

A decade of the Emerging Technologies Competition

The Emerging Technologies Competition started in 2013 to raise the profile of often invisible solutions and catapult promising ideas towards commercialisation. 

Since its inception, we have seen hundreds of finalists and announced over 60 winners and are thrilled to have supported so many of them on the journey from lab bench to real world impact. Find out more about the 10 years of success and the companies we have supported on the Competition page. 

Find out more about the 2023 Competition

If you're an early-stage venture or academic entrepreneur developing chemistry technology with applications in Energy, Environment, Health or which is an Enabling Technology, visit the Competition website for more information.

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