The 2026 Innovation Awards programme has been officially launched in Birmingham, marking the beginning of a prestigious national competition that celebrates groundbreaking innovation across the United Kingdom. Organisers have revealed they are preparing to announce a major national brand within the technology sector as the newest patron member and lead sponsor, generating significant anticipation within the business community.
Launch Event at Hotel du Vin Birmingham
Event director Dr Richard Fallon formally declared the 2026 programme open during a well-attended launch reception at Hotel du Vin Birmingham on Monday, February 2nd. The event formed part of the broader West Midlands Business Festival schedule, which commenced yesterday and continues through February 13th. Distinguished guests included previous Innovation Awards winners and key partners, creating an atmosphere of celebration and forward momentum.
"The 2025 Innovation Awards was a resounding success for everyone involved," stated Dr Fallon, who also serves as CEO of the Technology Supply Chain (TSC) membership organisation. "We excelled ourselves, but I am confident we can surpass those dizzy heights this year. I am pleased to declare the 2026 Innovation Awards open."
Building on Previous Success
The 2025 edition of the awards attracted remarkable interest, with organisers receiving more than 1,000 nominations across 18 distinct award categories. Dr Fallon emphasised the exceptionally high standard of competition, noting that eventual winners represented the pinnacle of innovative achievement. The awards programme directly supports the TSC's core mission of working with and supporting its member organisations throughout their development journeys.
A comprehensive judging process will soon be established, involving a multi-stage evaluation procedure leading toward the grand finale awards ceremony. This prestigious event is scheduled to take place at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on November 13, 2026, promising to be a highlight of the national business calendar.
Exciting Sponsorship Development
One of the most significant announcements from the launch event concerned forthcoming sponsorship news. "We are thrilled to have brought on a major national brand in the tech space as a new patron member of the TSC and a lead sponsor of the Innovation Awards," Dr Fallon revealed. "We can't say who it is just yet, but we will announce them soon. Be excited because we are." This development underscores the growing prestige and recognition of the Innovation Awards within the UK's technology and business sectors.
Celebrating UK Innovation
The Innovation Awards serve a vital purpose in recognising, celebrating, and rewarding businesses, organisations, and individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to innovation. The competition features 18 diverse categories, including:
- Defence Innovator of the Year
- Female Innovator of the Year
- Young Innovator of the Year
- Creative Industries Innovator of the Year
Eligibility extends to innovative individuals, businesses, and organisations based anywhere in the UK, including universities, local councils, and catapult centres. This inclusive approach ensures a wide representation of groundbreaking work from across the nation.
Organisational Leadership
The Innovation Awards and the Technology Supply Chain are owned and operated by One Thousand Trades Events Ltd, which forms part of the broader One Thousand Trades Group Ltd. Paul Cadman, chief executive of OTTG, co-director of the TSC, and co-founder of the Innovation Awards, expressed his enthusiasm for the 2026 programme.
"Bringing people together to ignite collaboration, growth and success is what we do," Cadman stated. "We were thrilled with last year's Innovation Awards, and we are intent on building on that strong base of success this year." This commitment to fostering connections and celebrating achievement lies at the heart of the awards' continued expansion and influence.
The launch of the 2026 programme establishes Birmingham once again as a central hub for innovation recognition, with the forthcoming sponsor announcement and rigorous judging process set to maintain the awards' position as a premier event in the UK business landscape.
