UK Research and Innovation‘s (UKRI) Innovate UK Young Innovators Award has provided £1.25 million in grants to 94 winners for their impactful inventions. 

With nearly 700 applications, up from 25% on the previous year, the exceptional standard of entrants saw the number of winners increase by 50% from last year. 

A diverse range of entrants from every nation of the UK put their innovative ideas to the test, with each winner receiving a £5,000 grant, as well as personalised business guidance and a cost of living allowance. 

Among the winners, four were based in Scotland. 

Fergal Mackie, based in Edinburgh, developed Metacarpal, a body-powered bionic hand to give those with upper limb-amputations a better experience, without using electronics. 

In an effort to address single-use packaging, Renuka Ramanujam developed HUID – a material that uses onion skins. As a textile student, Ramanjuam wanted to rely on a reusable source that was not limited to a specific locale or class, allowing for sustainable and affordable product creation. 

Combining her fashion and manufacturing experience, Martina Tuskova developed Eco Devana, which develops non-slip reusable period pads. Unsatisfied with current products on the market, Tuskova developed a user-friendly green alternative to traditional pads, reducing plastic pollution. 

As a long time whisky fan, Richard Campbell wanted to address a gap in the growing non-alcohol drink sector by creating a barrel-aged non alcoholic whisky. The sober alternative would undergo similar processes to traditional whisky to uphold the heritage and character associated with the beverage without the harmful effects of alcohol. 

The projects overall covered a plethora of modern issues, from accessibility to pollution to achieving net zero. 

Projects were funded to help innovators commercialise their products and enter the business world, something that is particularly challenging to research-focused inventors. 

Recommended

• How Will the Met Tower Redevelopment Add to Glasgow’s Tech Sector?
• Who Do British People Trust the Most and Least With Their Data?
• SBRC: Four-day Week Could Help Close Skills Gap

Emily Nott, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Programmes at Innovate UK said: “The level of creativity, passion, and commitment to positive change within our society and environment in this year’s Young Innovators Award winners is beyond inspiring.

“Knowing that Innovate UK is creating opportunities and providing support to enable these young people from a wide range of different backgrounds across all parts of the UK to grow and develop their businesses makes me very proud.

“With the financial uncertainty this year brings, it’s fantastic to see these entrepreneurs starting businesses that will improve the world and boost innovation in the UK. We can’t wait to see what they will achieve next.”

Get all the latest news from DIGIT direct to your inbox

Our newsletter covers the latest technology and IT news from Scotland and beyond, as well as in-depth features and exclusive interviews with leading figures and rising stars.

To subscribe, click here.