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.
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
- 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
| Applications open | 21 February |
| Applications close | 18 April |
| Finalists announced | May |
| Live pitch final | 7 July |
2022 Competition Partners
We are delighted to have the support from some of the most recognised companies in the chemical sciences industry
2022 Sponsor
We are delighted to welcome Reddie & Grose as our competition sponsors.
"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 orientated advice has attracted many successful start-ups and SMEs in the chemistry, materials and life sciences sectors. Through our location 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 multi-nationals to help them identify the value of the intellectual property in their investments and acquisitions.
From establishing and managing patent portfolios, to supporting companies through funding rounds, takeovers, 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 Reddie & Grose.
Masterclasses
All of our 2022 finalists will be invited to attend our summer series of masterclasses to help strengthen their proposition
| Masterclass | Description |
|---|---|
| Telling your Impact Story |
How can you use storytelling skills to tell better impact stories? This Masterclass will enable you to tell the story of your technology in a more compelling and engaging way, whether that is to investors, potential employees or partner companies. We will cover:
The session is highly interactive with hints, tips and real examples. At the end of the session participants will be able to tell a compelling and memorable story about the positive effects their technology will make on people’s lives. |
| Identifying and developing markets for new technologies and innovations |
In this Masterclass, led by an experienced CEO, you will hear first-hand perspectives on:
|
| Leading an R&D intensive venture |
Creating a high performing team whilst developing effective working relationships is the ultimate goal for any newly appointed leader. This Masterclass is for CEOs and members of their leadership teams who are in the early stages of their leadership journey. This workshop will help to improve your leadership style and the effectiveness of your team by creating constructive relationships amongst your team members. The online workshop will be very practical, with interactive activity in small groups. Participants will be encouraged to consider how to apply their learning in their own companies. This Masterclass will help you to:
|
Get in touch
- Email:
- send Emily an email