MSDUK Innovation Challenge 2027
A leading innovation competition for UK's diverse-owned businesses. An exciting opportunity to showcase your innovative products and services to our vast network of corporates and SMEs and win a variety of prizes, including a £20,000 top prize to fuel your business growth.
From past cohorts
About This Programme
Programme Overview
For ten years, the MSDUK Innovation Challenge has been uncovering and championing innovative diverse-owned businesses that are tackling some of the world's biggest challenges.
More than a competition, it is a launchpad for growth, providing entrepreneurs with a platform to showcase their ideas, connect with influential organisations and explore new opportunities.
If your UK-based diverse-owned business has an innovative product or service that is driving positive change, we want to hear from you.
Twelve semi-finalists will be invited to present their innovations to a panel of judges in spring 2027 where 4 finalists - one in each competition category - will be selected.
They will pitch their solutions to a panel of judges and an audience of procurement leaders, partners and fellow entrepreneurs at the Innovation Challenge Finals at our Annual Conference in September 2027.
The winning business will receive a £20,000 cash prize, three years of MSDUK certified membership, mentorship opportunities and the recognition that comes with being named the Innovation Challenge winner.
Innovation Pioneers
This category 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
This category celebrates businesses that strategically harness digital technologies to drive transformation. It recognises innovations that are original, deliver measurable operational and customer experience improvements, and demonstrate scalability and industry influence.
Social Value Champions
This category honours innovations that create meaningful social impact. It 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.
Sustainability Heroes
This category recognising businesses that embed environmental sustainability principles into their core strategy. It celebrates businesses that innovate and deliver measurable sustainability impact and promote ethical governance and transparency to drive responsible, resilient growth.
Programme Structure
Your Journey
January 2027
Competition opens
March 2027
Applications close
April 2027
Semi-finalists announced
May
Pitching workshop for semi-finalists
May 2027
Finance workshop for semi-finalists
June 2027
Innovation Challenge Semi-Finals
Twelve semi-finalists - 3 in each competition category - pitch their products and solutions to a judging panel.
August 2027
Pitching booster workshop
September 2027
Innovation Challenge Finals
Finalists in each competition category are announced. They pitch their products and solutions to a judging panel and an audience of procurement professionals and fellow entrepreneurs for a £20,000 top prize.
Ready to Apply?
Take the Next Step
If this programme sounds like a fit for your business, we'd love to hear from you. Express your interest now or get in touch to discuss whether you're eligible.
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