Headline Sponsor
Sponsor
Sponsor
Sponsor
Sponsor
Sponsor
Sponsor
Sponsor
Sponsor
Headline Sponsor
Sponsor
Sponsor
Sponsor
The 9th Annual Innovation Challenge: Applications for 2026 Are Now OPEN! MSDUK’s Innovation Challenge returns for its ninth year. Over the past decade, this unique opportunity has actively broken-down barriers and pushed boundaries for diverse owned businesses. We are committed to fuelling their growth and development by shining a spotlight on them. Are you a diverse-owned business located in the UK with an innovative product or service for a better world? We want to hear from you.
Finalists will be shortlisted to present at the Innovation Challenge Finals in September 2026 in London, UK. These finalists will pitch their vision to a panel of judges as well as an audience consisting of MSDUK corporate members, partners and our diverse owned members. The overall winner won’t just gain recognition and invaluable exposure—they will walk away with a £20,000 cash prize, 3 years free membership to MSDUK as well as mentorship opportunities. Don’t miss your chance. Apply now!
MSDUK Innovation Challenge 2026
Innovation Pioneers
Recognises innovations that are not only ground-breaking in concept but also deliver measurable impact, demonstrate strong execution, align with future trends, and show potential for growth and replication.
Digital Transformation Trailblazers
Celebrating businesses that strategically harness digital technologies to drive transformation. This category recognises innovations that are original, deliver measurable operational and customer experience improvements, and demonstrate scalability and industry influence.
ESG – Innovation Excellence
Recognising businesses that embed Environmental, Social, and Governance principles into their core strategy. This category celebrates business that innovate and deliver measurable sustainability impact, promote ethical governance and transparency, and use data to drive responsible, resilient growth.
Social Value Innovation
Honouring innovations that create meaningful social impact. This category highlights products, services, or business models that deliver tangible benefits to communities, underrepresented groups, or society at large, with a focus on inclusivity, scalability, and long-term value.
£20,000 cash prize for overall winner
3 years MSDUK membership to the overall winner
Full conference passes for 12 finalists
£2,500 cash prize for category winners
1-2-1 Corporate mentorship opportunities
£20,000 cash prize for overall winner
£2,500 cash prize for category winners
3 years MSDUK membership to the overall winner
1-2-1 Corporate mentorship opportunities
Full conference passes for 12 finalists
12 December 2025
27 March 2026
You must be a UK resident (UK citizen, ILR or on a visa that leads to ILR)
A Ltd registered on Companies House, or a CIC or Freelancer (please note CICs or Freelancers will not be eligible for MSDUK membership)
Your business must be beyond the initial development phase and have a market-ready product or service.
Since 2006, we’ve pioneered the supplier diversity movement in the UK and Europe. Join the ranks of organisations committed to supplier diversity. As a member of MSDUK, you’ll be part of a community of corporate leaders who share our passion for empowering ethnic minority businesses.
Navigate
Newsletter sign-up
Get the latest MSDUK updates
delivered straight to your inbox.
Get the latest MSDUK updates delivered straight to your inbox.
© 2026 MSDUK. All rights reserved.
Desinged by
Jensen & Jensen
Supported by certified ethnic minority business:
