Innovator Awards

A Better Tomorrow Starting Today

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About the Conference & Awards

The Young Innovator Awards, launched in 2023, were created to recognize and celebrate the next generation of changemakers between the ages of 18 – 28, to kickstart their enterprise.

In 2025 we are seeking ideas from young entrepreneurs, envisioning innovative solutions in Climate & Sustainability, Education Skills & Training, Social Justice & Inclusion. In addition, we’ve launched a new category in Health & Wellbeing and the new Conduit Impact Venture Award – this is an opportunity to win £200,000 in equity investment from the Conduit EIS Impact Fund for an entrepreneur that has led the way in developing genuine solutions to the world’s biggest issues. 

About the Young Innovator Awards

Many young, impact-led entrepreneurs lack the mentorship, support and funding they need to take their idea to the next level. These awards – held in partnership with the Centre for Innovation in Voluntary Action (CIVA) – aim to change that, recognising and supporting remarkable visionaries aged between 18 and 28.

The winners will receive up to £10,000, as well as mentoring from industry experts and complimentary membership to The Conduit.

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CRITERIA

*Application open until 21/02

About the Impact
Venture Awards

The Conduit Impact Venture Award presents the opportunity to win £200,000 in equity investment from the Conduit EIS Impact Fund. This will be given to an entrepreneur that has led the way in developing genuine solutions to the world’s biggest issues. The winner of this award will become part of the Conduit Connect portfolio. 

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Meet the Past Winners

- 2024 -

Sri Hollema - Mat Zero, Climate and Sustainability/People’s Choice Winner

Mat Zero provides heated mats that are designed to provide life-saving warmth, while also offering energy-efficient comfort for everyday use.

Gregory Hargraves – Paige Braille, Education, Skills and Training Winner

Paige Braille replaces a braille writer's base board, translating key presses via an app, fostering collaboration with sighted peers, parents, and teachers.

Alaya Holloway – FirstGens, Social Justice and Inclusion Winner

FirstGens, a not-for-profit, supports first-generation university students, aiming to close national completion and graduate destination gaps for those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

- 2023 -

Katie Hodgetts – The Resilience Project, Climate and Sustainability Winner

The Resilience Project is a youth-led organization empowering young climate activists by providing mental health support and leadership training to combat climate anxiety and burnout.

Sara Berkai – Ambessa Play, Education, Skills and Training/People's Choice Winner

Ambessa Play is a social enterprise offering DIY STEM kits for children, operating on a one-for-one model: for each kit purchased, one is donated to a displaced child lacking access to education.

Zak Marks – Kitt Medical, Social Justice and Inclusion Winner

Kitt Medical provides wall-mounted Anaphylaxis Kitts containing emergency adrenaline pens, accompanied by CPD-accredited online training, to schools and qualifying businesses across the UK.

Interested in attending this year's awards?

The Innovator Awards ceremony will be a half-day event featuring panel discussions, award presentations, and opportunities to meet and mingle with finalists and winners. Sounds interesting? Register your interest below, and we'll be in touch with more information.

GATHERING CHANGEMAKERS

The Conduit is a collaborative community of people committed to creating a just, prosperous and sustainable future.