Innovate UK is the UK’s national innovation agency. We drive productivity and economic growth by supporting businesses to realise the potential of new ideas, including those from the UK’s world-class research base.

We have helped 8,500 organisations create 70,000 jobs and added £18 billion of value to the UK economy.

Discover how Innovate UK can support your business.

Great ideas can come from anywhere and anyone. Innovate UK’s Young Innovators programme, in partnership with Prince's Trust, enables the next-generation of UK entrepreneurs, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to transform bold, disruptive ideas into successful business ventures – by empowering them with seed funding and bespoke business coaching.

From disrupted education to declining mental health to delayed careers, the pandemic has significantly impacted young people in the UK.

However, the pandemic has also triggered a surge in entrepreneurialism, resulting in a third of 18-34 year olds wanting to launch an independent enterprise in 2021. In response, Innovate UK doubled our investment in the Young Innovators programme to empower 64 aspiring young business owners. 

From plastic-alternatives made from seaweed to socially-aware robotic care assistants, the 20/21 Young Innovators are developing inspired solutions to major societal challenges. Despite the UK facing a challenging start to 2021, this array of aspiring talent brings hope for the future. 
Learn more about the Young Innovators programme
Hear from our latest cohort of Young Innovators
Learn about equality & diversity in business-led innovation
If you are interested in either connecting with a specific Young Innovator or volunteering as a mentor for the Young Innovators programme, please contact younginnovators@ktn-uk.org.

Join us in celebrating these aspiring young entrepreneurs by sharing any of these links with your networks and using the hashtag #IdeasMeanBusiness.  

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