The competition
Each year, we welcome applications from early-stage start-ups, spinouts and academic entrepreneurs, based in the UK, who are developing the most novel, innovative, and disruptive deep tech chemistry in each of these four categories:
- Enabling Technologies
- Energy
- Environment
- Health
We particularly welcome applications from companies, start-ups and spinouts led by Black and other minoritised ethnic scientists.
Applicants selected as finalists will receive:
- Invaluable publicity and exposure
- Constructive feedback on your application provided by our competition partners and judges
- A programme of support, including an IP webinar and pitch training
- An invitation to join Change Makers, which provides a package of support for SMEs that includes: Venture Mentoring, Masterclasses, Investor networking, and more.*
*This is only open to UK incorporated businesses meeting the eligibility for Change Makers for ventures.
The in-person pitch final will take place in London on 2 July 2025 where the judges will select four winners (one per category), each of whom will receive:
- A cash prize of £25,000
- Post-event publicity and exposure
Key dates
| 10 February 2025 |
Applications open |
| 7 April 2025 |
Applications close |
| 7 - 11 April 2025 |
RSC review |
| 11 April - 18 May 2025 |
Judging |
| Late May 2025 |
Finalists announced |
| 2 July 2025 |
Pitch final |