Worcestershire Innovation Champion Award 2026
As part of TechFest 2.0, we are excited to introduce a brand-new recognition:
The Worcestershire Innovation Champion Award.
This award celebrates the spirit of innovation across our region - recognising local businesses and organisations that are driving forward new ideas, creating positive impact, and inspiring others to think differently.
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Whether through pioneering products, ground-breaking services, or by championing and supporting innovative ecosystems, this award highlights those making a real difference in Worcestershire’s innovation landscape.
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The winner will be announced live during the BetaDen Technology Showcase on the 26th of February 2026, making them a standout feature of TechFest 2.0.
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Each finalist will be provided with a finalist social media badge and 2x reserved seats for the Showcase event. The award winner will receive a personalised trophy.
Who Can Be Nominated?
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Any business, organisation, or initiative based in Worcestershire that*:
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Has demonstrated outstanding innovation in their products, services, or operations.
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Has contributed to growing Worcestershire’s reputation as a hub for innovation and technology.
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Has actively supported or enabled other businesses, start-ups, or communities to innovate and succeed.
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*The objective of the award is to diversify the current TechFest lineup of talent; therefore, companies that are currently taking part in the BetaDen programme are not eligible to be considered, as they will already have a strong presence on the closing night.
Award Criteria
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When reviewing nominations, judges will consider:
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Innovation – How original, creative, and forward-thinking is the nominee’s approach?
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Impact – What measurable difference has the innovation made (e.g., economic growth, community benefit, sustainability, efficiency, or problem-solving)?
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Leadership & Inspiration – Has the nominee inspired others or played a role in building an innovative culture locally?
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Collaboration & Support – Has the nominee helped other businesses or the wider community to embrace innovation?
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Future Potential – Does the nominee demonstrate clear plans for continuing to innovate and contribute in the future?
Selection Process
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Nominations open to the public through our website.
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A panel of judges will review all submissions and select a shortlist of the top 5 finalists.
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The public will then vote for their favourite finalist.
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Judges will consider both the strength of nominations and the results of the public vote when selecting the ultimate Worcestershire Innovation Champion.
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The judging panel’s decision on the winner is final and binding. There is no right of appeal.
Key Dates
1. Nominations Open
31st October 2025, 9 AM
4. Public Vote Opens
12th January 2026, 9 AM
2. Nominations Close
1st December 2025, 8 PM
5. Public Vote Closes
6th February 2026, 9 AM
3. Finalists Notified By
7th January 2026
6. Winner Announcement
26th February 2026
Meet The Judges
Nigel Hall
Chair of Innovation Board, Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership
Heather Horton
Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Ecrubox Digital
Ryan Protheroe
Innovation Lead & Cluster Manager, WLEP & Midlands Cyber
Daniel Filipi
Marketing and Communications Manager, BetaDen