Discovering the next great British innovation

Created by Prodrive Ventures, the investment-arm of technology group, Prodrive, The RAPID Challenge is a new competition aimed specifically at entrepreneurs and start-ups developing innovative physical products.

The challenge is also supported by a number of carefully selected partners, including Microsoft; NatWest; KPMG; Clayden Law; IP Asset and Crowdcube, who are all involved in supporting early stage businesses.

'There are many competitions aimed at entrepreneurs and start-ups, but they tend to be dominated by new ventures providing non-hardware based solutions such as web-based services and apps. Those with a new innovative physical product idea often struggle to find the help they need bringing such a product from concept to production,' said Tim Colchester, managing director of Prodrive Ventures. 'We believe The RAPID Challenge can be a catalyst for the development of exciting new British-designed and engineered projects with commercial potential.'

All entrants who make it through the initial selection process will benefit from a series of workshops, delivered by the Challenge partners, offering advice and insight on turning their product into a business. Those who have the best ideas and business plans have the opportunity to share in a prize package worth over £50,000 and present to investors at a final event in November.'

'We are particularly looking for products that are disruptive; something innovative that challenges the status quo," said Tim. 'We are not looking for just an idea, the concept must be proven, even be at prototype stage, and there must be a sustainable business strategy. As a result of winning The RAPID Challenge we're looking for projects that we can accelerate to be commercially available within 12 months.'

Applications are open and close on 15 September 2019. Full details on The RAPID Challenge and how to apply can be found at: www.therapidchallenge.com