Emerging Technologies Competition

In 2022, the Emerging Technologies Competition is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Our annual initiative identifies and supports entrepreneurs who are developing ground-breaking, chemistry-led innovations, and plays a vital role in promoting technologies that tackle societal challenges, support a sustainable future and drive economic growth.

Agenda for 7 July

*timings in BST

We have a limited number of in-person tickets available if you would like to join us at the event please email our programme manager.

The event is taking place either via Zoom Webinar or at: Royal Society of Chemistry, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, W1J 0BA

Competition information

What started with just nine finalists presenting at the Royal Society of Chemistry’s prestigious Burlington House has grown to welcome over 1,200 applications from 23 countries. 266 finalists have been selected to present to our esteemed panel of judges and competition partners, who have in turn crowned 60 winners.

Since the competition began our finalists and winners have gone on to raise £775 million in grant and equity funding. With one winner going on to be acquired for £28m. One of the competition's finalists was acquired for £623m with another raising a $350m IPO on US Nasdaq

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

Following an application round, our judges will carefully review each application and provide helpful feedback. The 24 finalists will be announced at the end of May and receive:

• Invaluable publicity and exposure
• Access to a series of masterclasses to help strengthen your proposition

The live pitch final will take place at our hybrid event in London on 7 July 2022 where the judges will select four winners (one per category), each of whom will receive:

• A cash prize of £20,000
• Assigned co-mentors to provide ongoing support and advice for one year
  • We are currently seeking mentors if you are interested please read the information below
• A business acceleration grant of up to £20,000 for UK incorporated companies
• Wider support and advice from our competition partners and judges during the final

Competition timeline

2022 Competition Partners

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

Mentoring

Are you an experienced female entrepreneur or senior business executive? 

Through a new pilot scheme we would like to make the deep business experience residing within our community more accessible to these promising ventures that come through the Emerging Technologies Competition. This is critical to successfully moving science from the lab through to technology scale-up and market adoption. 

As part of our commitment to inclusion and diversity, we are seeking a better gender balance in our initial pool of venture mentors, and encourage female members who believe they could contribute to get in touch. Individuals from other underrepresented groups are also encouraged. 
As a venture mentor you would have the chance to share your deep experience and knowledge with the reward of helping to bring important new technologies to market. 

How it works? 
As a venture mentor you will meet the Emerging Technologies Competition start-ups (online or in person) typically at least once a month, usually over a 6-12 month period, depending on the needs of the venture. In turn the RSC will help manage the framework for successful mentoring relationships, advising on best practice and providing support in working with these ventures. 

What is the criteria for becoming a mentor? 

• Extensive entrepreneurial/industry/business experience in at least one commercially-relevant field of the chemical sciences 
• A strong understanding of the technical challenges faced in bringing a disruptive new technology or innovation to market, as well as an understanding of the likely market barriers and opportunities 
• A willingness to contribute your time on a volunteer basis; able to share your insights with a startup 
• Availability on the 26th September 2022 for a kick-off meeting in London 

Interested? 
Please email Dr Richard Holliday, Manager – Business Programmes briefly describing your relevant experience. Based on the expressions of interest received and the needs of the startups we will select an initial cohort of venture mentors. We will respond to all expressions of interest but cannot commit to including all those interested in this pilot scheme.