The Growing Further Spotlight Award is an initiative designed to identify and accelerate promising startups that are addressing critical problems across key industries. The program aims to provide winners with credibility, investment opportunities, and access to a lifelong community of founders and partners, going beyond a simple prize to actively support their mission.
Program Benefits
• Lifelong Community Access: Winners receive immediate and free entry into the Growing Further Network for peer support and mentorship.
• Strategic Visibility: Participants are featured across program channels and presented to a network of partners and investors.
• Industry Credibility: Awardees can use the “Growing Further Award Winner” seal to build trust with customers and investors.
• Scaling Opportunities: Winners receive priority consideration for pilot partnerships and programs within the Growing Further Launchpad.
Award Categories
• Real Estate & Supply Chain: Innovations in proptech, building technology, construction tech, retail supply chain logistics, and future-of-work solutions.
• Utilities & Energy: Solutions in renewable energy generation, storage, and distribution; grid optimization; circular economy; and water technology.
• Data & Networks: Advancements in software, AI & machine learning, IoT, connectivity, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure.
• Agriculture & Resources: Developments in agtech, sustainable farming, food security, carbon capture & utilisation, and resource management.
Eligibility Criteria
• Company Stage: Applicants must be a start-up or early-stage business.
• Operational History: The company must have been actively trading for no more than 5 years.
• Team Size: The company must have fewer than 30 employees.
• Category Fit: The core product or service must align with one of the four specified award categories.
• Product Development: Applicants must have a demonstrable prototype, pilot, or commercial product.
• Growth Stage: Founders at various stages are encouraged to apply, as judges focus on impact and potential over revenue or team size.
• Geographic Location: The awards are international, welcoming applications from founders worldwide.
Judging Criteria
• Impact: The significance of the problem being solved and the potential for positive change.
• Innovation: The originality, creativity, and effectiveness of the proposed solution.
• Potential: The demonstrated ability to grow the business and scale its impact.
Application Process
• Step 1: Check eligibility and select the appropriate award category.
• Step 2: Prepare application answers covering the team, innovation, business model, traction, and intended impact.
• Step 3: Submit the application via the online form by the specified deadline.
• Application Fee: There is no fee to enter or apply for the awards.
Key Dates and Deadlines
• 24 November 2025: Applications Open for the 2026 awards.
• 2 April 2026: Applications Close.
• 23 April 2026: Finalists Announced.
• 22 May 2026: Submission deadline for Finalists' Video Pitch to Judges.
• 10-11 June 2026: In-Person Interviews with Judges.
• 11 June 2026: Awards Ceremony held in Dublin.
This international competition provides a platform for early-stage companies to gain significant exposure and support. All finalists will be invited to Dublin, Ireland, to pitch their ventures live to a judging panel and an audience of peers, partners, and potential investors at the final awards ceremony.