Introducing the Torchbearer in Science & Technology Award

We are delighted to announce a new Award category for this year’s prestigious Business Weekly Annual Awards.

The ‘Cambridge Science & Technology Torchbearer’ award, delivered by Innovate Cambridge in collaboration with Cambridge Innovation Capital, recognises a new generation of technology companies redefining what successful innovation looks like.

This award celebrates science, technology, and innovation-driven businesses whose commercial success is inseparable from measurable societal value.

It recognises organisations demonstrating that world-class innovation can, and should, strengthen the communities in which it operates.

The award aims to encourage the next wave of startups and scaling companies who embed societal value into their business model from the outset.

The closing date for entries is 30 June 2026, and more details can be found below.

The winner will be announced at the Awards banquet at Queens’ College, Cambridge on Wednesday 16 September 2026.

The winner will also receive coverage in Business Weekly awards edition and a case study feature developed by Innovate Cambridge and shared to their audience, including at the annual conference on October.

What the Award Recognises

Winning organisations will demonstrate:

  • Breakthrough innovation in science or technology
  • Measurable real-world impact
  • A commitment to strengthening their community
  • Responsible leadership in the development and deployment of technology

The award will highlight businesses that can serve as role models for the future of responsible innovation.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be a science, technology, or innovation-driven company
  • Operate within a strategic or high-growth sector
  • Demonstrate a scalable, innovation-led business model

Requirements:

  • Minimum 2 employees
  • Minimum 1 year trading
  • Headquartered in Greater Cambridge
  • Independent companies only (not subsidiaries of large corporates)

Applications may not be considered where:

  • There is no clear innovation beyond standard market offerings
  • Impact activity is limited to one-off charitable donations rather than embedded societal value
  • Claims are made without metrics or independent validation

Click here to submit your application.

 

Photography by Phil Mynott.