The 2026 Innovation Challenge is powered by TBAT Innovation, in partnership with Headline Sponsor Shakespeare Martineau and Platinum Sponsor Barclays Eagle Labs.
This online workshop, is sponsored by Isosceles Finance. The third IC26 workshop prepares you for growth and will help you to understand how to raise funds effectively, make use of co-funding opportunities, and strengthen your intellectual property position as you scale. This workshop will cover how to build the right team, engage confidently with investors, stay compliant, and validate your progress through traction. Aimed at founders moving into the critical early growth stage where structure and credibility matter most.
The event will feature short presentations, Q&A sessions and include a comfort break.
Take a look at the workshop speakers and the topics they will be covering:
- Unlocking Your Next Funding Round. Paul Tranter, Kappika Ventures
- Building the Right Team: Recruitment Readiness and Defining What You Need. Simon Bucknell, EMBS Talent
- Using Share Schemes to Attract, Retain and Motivate Your Team. – Michelle Andrews, Dains
- Using Fractional Leadership to Build Credibility: CFOs and Other Key Roles. Bhavini Tanna, Isosceles Finance
- Innovation Banking Explained: Specialist Financial Support for Scaling Businesses – Amy Morgan, Barclays Innovation Banking
- From Validated Idea to Market Traction: Product Development, Launch and Early User Validation. Simon Collings, OPD
- Regulatory Considerations for Scaling Innovation. David Hawkins, Sotas
- Licensing Agreements Explained: What to Look For and How the Process Works. Ed Wright, Shakespeare Martineau
This workshop is part of a series of five interactive events designed to support SMEs through the highs and lows of innovation, growth, and success. All workshops are free to attend and open to the public, with no requirement to apply for the Innovation Challenge.
