Scientists and entrepreneurs in Norwich have a new opportunity to secure funding and professional support as applications open for the 2026 Innovation Hothouse competition at Norwich Research Park.
The competition, which has evolved into a comprehensive three-month support programme, is offering a £10,000 prize package to the winner, which includes £5,000 in expert legal support from the law firm Mills & Reeve. The winning entry will also receive a one-year virtual tenancy at the Centrum building, providing a base for their business development.
This initiative is a joint effort between the University of East Anglia, the Royal Society Entrepreneur in Residence, and the Anglia Innovation Partnership. The programme is specifically designed to support early-stage founders and researchers working in the fields of agri-tech, food, health, nutrition, and the environment. To be eligible, applicants must be at the proof-of-concept stage and should not have previously received equity investment.
Following the application deadline on 26 June 2026, six finalists will be selected to take part in a three-month support programme. This includes access to mentorship and expert-led workshops to help founders refine their business models. The programme will conclude in November 2026 with a showcase event held at the John Innes Conference Centre, where the final winner will be announced. Additionally, all finalists will be nominated for the #21toWatch list.
The competition follows the success of last year’s winner, Hannah Morelli of Quadlytics, who was recognised for developing phage technology as an alternative to traditional antibiotics. The Anglia Innovation Partnership, which manages the campus, currently supports a large community of start-ups as part of its wider efforts to turn scientific research into viable businesses.
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