Norwich Research Park Innovation Hothouse 2026 – 3 Month Programme

2026 Innovation Hothouse: A Support Programme for Science-Based Founders, 3 Month Programme with event on Monday 16 November 2026, 13:30-18:30, John Innes Conference Centre, Norwich Research Park

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Following the success of the last three years, the University of East Anglia and the Royal Society
Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR), in partnership with Anglia Innovation Partnership (AIP), are
proud to announce the 2026 Norwich Research Park Innovation Hothouse competition.
This year represents a strategic evolution. We have moved beyond a traditional pitch competition
to offer a bespoke three-month programme of support. We are looking for pioneers based at
Norwich Research Park who are working within our core sectors: Agri-tech, Food, Health,
Nutrition, and the Environment.

• Do you have a proof-of-concept that could transform the future of food, health, or our
  planet?
• Are you seeking the high-level strategic advisory and mentorship required to scale a
  science-led business?
• Do you need to leverage world-class facilities to move your product or service from
  research to market?
  If the answer is YES, we invite you to join our 2026 cohort.

Our 2026 prize structure provides the non-dilutive capital and operational momentum required to scale science-based ventures. Successful applicants will receive Strategic Advisory & Mentorship, Collaborative Growth Pathways, Impact & REF Alignment, Ecosystem Access, Regional Recognition, the opportunity to present in front of esteemed judges and the potential to win expert legal support and CASH prizes.

Who Should Apply

We are looking for the most promising science-led innovators and researchers based at Norwich Research Park.

The Innovators: Undergraduate and PGR students, Early Career Researchers, Principal Investigators (PIs), academic spin-outs, or early-stage start-ups (<5 years old, <9 employees).

The Stage: You must be at the proof-of-concept stage and have not yet received equity investment. Incorporation is not a requirement to apply; we support people and projects, not just paperwork.

The Sectors: Your innovation must align with one of our core sectors: Agri-tech, Food, Health, Nutrition, or the Environment.

For more information and for the application form, Click Here. Application Deadline: 5pm on 26 June 2026

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