National Innovation Competition

Sponsored by Barclays Innovation Banking

"Climb has been a fundamental part of our business; we've been able to meet and secure investment, build relationships with future investors, and access funding and government support"

Angus Young - Founder of Net Zu

Calling the UK’s innovation led businesses.

Barclays Innovation Banking specialists are supporting ambitious UK businesses, whether you’re starting, growing, or scaling. With bespoke financial solutions and Eagle Labs growth support, get access to the tailored resources you need to scale your business.

The Climb26 National innovation competition, sponsored by Barclays Innovation Banking, is an opportunity to celebrate the UK’s most innovative businesses and recognise how they are shaping the future of the UK economy. We’re looking for businesses with bold innovative ideas and clear potential to scale. We will be selecting 10 finalists to be showcased at Climb26, the UK’s festival of business growth and innovation. T&Cs apply.

Who Should Apply

This competition is open to innovation-driven businesses across the UK, including:

Start up & Scale up

Start up and scale up ventures that have secured investment, grant funding, or are scaling organically

Spinouts

University spinouts, academic-led ventures, and research-informed businesses

Deep Tech

Businesses operating in deep tech, life sciences, clean tech, and other emerging or frontier sectors

IP-Led

Ventures developing differentiated, IP-led, or technology-enabled products and services.

What we’re looking for

Strength of Innovation

Commercial Traction

Scalability

Leadership Ambition

Growth Potential

Finalists Receive:

10 finalists will be selected nationally and will benefit from:

Climb26 2-Day Ticket

Two‑day access to Climb26, connecting you with investors, partners, and ecosystem leaders across the full programme.

Official Recognition

Named as one of Climb26’s innovation‑led businesses of the year - a credibility marker you can use across PR, marketing, and sales.

1:1 Mentoring

1:1 mentoring with Barclays partners and ecosystem specialists

Invite Only Dinner

Invite only dinner for the x10 winners with key ecosystem players

Access to Dedicated Barclays contacts

Including growth programmes, mentoring, digital platforms, and access to our network of corporate customers, investors and your peers, as well as exclusive events.

Main Stage Showcase

A showcase and demo opportunity at Climb26, in front of investors, partners and ecosystem leaders

Why Apply?

This competition is more than a pitch. It’s an opportunity to:

Connect with Barclays

Build a relationship with Barclays Innovation Banking and Eagle Labs, a long-term partner to growth

Raise Your Profile

Raise your profile within the UK innovation ecosystem

Connect with Investors

Connect with investors and growth partners at exclusive events and Climb26

Position for Future

Position your business for its next phase of scale.

Competition Timeline

Timeline Information - T&Cs Apply

5 May 2026

Applications Open

29 May 2026 at 23:59 (BST)

Applications Close

30 May 2026 - 6 June 2026

Assessment period

10 June 2026

Winner notification

Apply now to be part of the UK’s next generation of success stories

Applications Now Closed

Attend Climb26 to find out the winners

Ready to Embrace Your Climb Journey?

Whether you’re a startup founder or an experienced entrepreneur, ClimbUK is the place to gain the tools, knowledge, and connections you need to grow your business.

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