Forresters has partnered with TBAT Innovation to provide IP support to SMEs looking to innovate.
TBAT Innovation has launched The Innovation Challenge, bringing together partners to provide expert guidance to growing companies in four key areas. The Innovation Challenge will see partners deliver four free, informative workshops on the topics of:
- Finance - All you need to know to fund your business growth
- People & Recruitment - Why recruit the best people you can?
- Product Design & Protection - How to design and protect your innovation
- Business Strategy & Marketing - The importance of external help
The workshops will be held throughout Spring 2022. In May applications will open for businesses to submit a full business plan and be eligible to win a £5,000 cash prize and tailored support packages from partners. Two runners up will also receive a support package from partners.
In June a showcase for the top 10 finalists will be held where the winners will be announced. Finalists will have the opportunity to present their business in a 10-minute pitch in front of key investors.
Greg Smith and Dr Jagvir Purewal, senior associate patent attorneys at Forresters, will deliver the IP aspects of the Product Design and Protection workshop.
Dr Purewal said: "We're proud to be partnering with TBAT Innovation for The Innovation Challenge. IP can be difficult for SMEs to navigate as they seek to innovate and grow, and we have a wealth of experience at Forresters in helping companies establish a solid IP position. I'm looking forward to working with the innovative companies involved in the challenge."
Matt Symonds, managing director of TBAT Innovation Ltd, added: "We're really excited to launch the Innovation Challenge and to be working with a great set of partners to support and stimulate businesses to innovate and develop."
The Innovation Challenge is open to any UK SME looking to innovate and grow. To be eligible to apply for the prize package, applicant businesses must be an SME based in the UK, have a sustainable business strategy and be working on a disruptive hardware or software project.
To attend the workshops and join The Innovation Challenge, companies must register here. The closing date for registrations is 25 February 2022.