Worcestershire Innovation Champion Award 2026
Presented by
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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Following over 600 public votes, the winner was announced live during the BetaDen Technology Showcase on the 26th of February 2026, making them a standout feature of TechFest 2.0.​
As part of TechFest 2.0, we were excited to introduce a brand-new recognition:
The Worcestershire Innovation Champion Award.
2026 Winner
“Winning this award motivates us to keep pushing boundaries and contributing to Worcestershire’s innovation future.”
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- Rosie Bligh, Founder of Glowing Mamma
2026 Finalists
Atwell International
Atwell International Ltd is a specialist provider of elevator safety products and lift components, with recognised expertise in VG Safety Products™.
Established in 1996, the company designs innovative lift safety solutions and is trusted globally for its engineering excellence and commitment to safety.
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Glowing Mamma
Glowing Mamma™ is a specialist maternal fitness company providing clinically informed, midwife-led exercise programmes for pregnancy and postnatal recovery.
Founded by an experienced midwife, the business delivers trusted, stage-specific online programmes and personalised coaching to a growing UK-wide community of women.
Bluebox Software
Bluebox is a bespoke software development company specialising in smart, scalable digital solutions for complex business challenges.
Founded in 2005, the company partners with SMEs and established brands to design custom software, modernise legacy systems and deliver technology built for long-term impact.
Utelize
Utelize Communications is a high-growth enterprise mobility management company delivering network-independent managed mobility services through its award-winning SureSIM platform.
Serving over 80 enterprise customers and backed by investment from the British Growth Fund, Utelize is rapidly expanding across the UK and beyond.
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Ca'fine Skincare
Ca’fine Skincare is a sustainable beauty brand transforming used coffee grounds from local cafés into natural, vegan skincare products. A growing micro-business with an expanding online presence, Ca’fine combines innovative upcycling with ethically sourced, cruelty-free ingredients to create eco-conscious skincare that proves great beauty doesn’t have to cost the planet.
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