Emerging Technologies Competition

About the competition

The Emerging Technologies Competition is the Royal Society of Chemistry's annual initiative that identifies and supports entrepreneurs who are developing ground-breaking, chemistry-led innovations.

The competition plays a vital role in promoting technologies that tackle societal challenges, support a sustainable future and drive economic growth.

Each year, we welcome applications from early-stage start-ups, spin-outs and academic entrepreneurs who are developing the most novel, innovative and disruptive chemistry tech in each of these four categories:

• Enabling Technologies
• Energy
• Environment
• Health

We particularly welcome applications from companies, start-ups and spin-outs lead by Black and other minoritised ethnic scientists. 

Find out more about each category

What finalists receive

Following an application round, our judges will carefully review each application and provide helpful feedback. The 24 finalists will be announced in early June and receive:

• Invaluable publicity and exposure
• Wider support and advice from our competition partners and judges during the final
• For eligible* UK incorporated businesses an invitation to join a package of support that includes;  Venture Mentoring, Masterclasses, Investor networking and more.... from June 2023
• University-based finalists (non-incorporated) will have free attendance on a special edition of Spin Up Science's Pioneer Program 

The in-person pitch final will take place at our hybrid event in London on 11  July 2023 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

2023 Competition Partners

We are delighted to have the support from some of the most recognised companies in the chemical sciences industry

Our competition sponsors

Reddie & Grose LLP

"At Reddie & Grose, our mission is to help start-ups and SMEs obtain intellectual property tailored to their specific commercial goals.

Reddie & Grose is a firm of patent and trade mark attorneys with a modern, forward-thinking approach to obtaining and defending patent and trademark protection for clients of all sizes. This year we are excited to provide an exclusive workshop for the competition entrants as well as be on hand during the final pitch event to answer any IP questions in person.

Our clear, commercially oriented advice has attracted many successful start-ups and SMEs in the chemistry, materials and life sciences sectors. Through our office in Cambridge, we have built a strong relationship with local incubator companies who value our experience in supporting start-ups and university spin-offs, which include a European inventor of the year whose product has revolutionised HIV testing in developing countries. In addition to our Cambridge office, our teams in London and Munich work closely with VCs and multinationals to help them identify the value of intellectual property in their investments and acquisitions.

From establishing and managing patent portfolios to supporting companies through funding rounds, acquisitions, IPOs and product commercialisation, Reddie & Grose’s breadth of experience makes us the perfect partner to support your IP needs."

If you would like any further information, please contact Zack Mummery at Reddie & Grose.

Additional information 

For our 2023 University based finalists (non-incorporated) will have free attendance on a special edition of Spin Up Science's Pioneer Program - a 6-part series delivered by experts in university venture creation, exploring the practical knowledge and skills to unlock your technical expertise as a scientist and drive forward innovation.

Spin Up Science was incorporated in 2018 to catalyse the growth of deep tech ecosystems. They believe entrepreneurial scientists have the potential to solve global problems that the best way to support entrepreneurs is to build ecosystems where start-ups can thrive.