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Want to help solve some of society’s biggest problems? You’re in the right place
Calling all innovators
Challenge Works exists to support smart ideas and ingenious solutions, wherever they come from.
We believe inventors can come from any background or sector – so we work to break down barriers, support long-term success and nurture innovation talent every step of the way.
We’ve worked with a total of 13,552 innovator teams to find solutions to problems, draw attention to societal issues and bring about real change. They are key to the success of any challenge prize.
If you’re interested in funding, as well as access to networking, mentoring and additional support, read on to find out what it means to be a Challenge Works innovator.
Our Challenge Prizes
Our Current
Our New
Our Broader
How does it work?
Every challenge prize is as unique as the problems they are designed to solve. We support our problem-solvers every step of the way with access to funding, professional networks and the mentoring needed to succeed.
Here are the stages problem-solvers go through when applying to work on one of our challenge prizes:
- Application: first there’s our application process, which is managed by our friendly team.
- Semi-finalist shortlisting and funding: if an idea makes it to the semi-finals, there could be another round of funding available.
- Finalist stage and further funding: as a finalist, problem-solvers will then have the opportunity for further funding to finalise solutions.
- Winner/s: our expert judging panel select a winner. The prize money is then allocated and all further support mapped out.
Supported to succeed
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The number of innovators engaged in solving key challenges, with 10.9m people working to develop the solutions our finalists produce.
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£0M
The amount distributed to innovators and participating teams in prizes and seed funding, with £74 million in prize funds still to be won.
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The number of finalists to have been selected in our challenge prizes, with 236 of those going on to win the prize.
How do we support teams who progress through our challenge prizes?
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Financial support
Solving a problem takes resources, so once a solution is through the first stage we provide money to help develop the product or idea.
Funding increases as teams progress through each stage, until the final prize is awarded to our winners.
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Non-financial support
Access changes everything, which is why we work to help give problem-solvers what they need.
If a solution progresses through a prize we’ll help to up-skill teams, make introductions to funders and networks, and support through testing and validation.
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Publicity
By raising the profile of our problem-solvers, we also raise the profile of the problem they’re working on.
That’s why when teams progress through a challenge prize, we work closely to increase their visibility with potential funders, industry insiders and bespoke PR.
Take it from our innovators
Business growth
“Winning Challenge Works’ Open Up 2018 Challenge three years ago was a critical moment in Fluidly’s evolution.
It didn’t just give us much-needed financial support at a crucial early stage, it also provided us with invaluable introductions and wider credibility in the nascent open banking sector.”
Caroline Plumb, Founder and Chief Executive of Fluidly
Opportunities unlocked
“Without Challenge Works’ early support through the Dynamic Demand Challenge, this global vision would have been unthinkable.
Challenge prizes can be the spark that ignites innovation, lighting the way to a better world.”
Devrim Celal, CEO, KrakenFlex
A better experience
“Thanks to taking part in the Mobility Unlimited Challenge, we have successfully transformed the wheelchair from an inanimate device to one that was engaged and reactive, totally in sync with the user.”
Andrew Slorance, Founder and CEO of Phoenix Instinct
