University College Birmingham up for two innovation awards | News

July 2025

University College Birmingham up for two national innovation awards!

By Claire Huggins

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We’ve been nominated in the ‘Education Innovator of the Year’ and ‘Creative Industries Innovator of the Year’ (for culinary arts) categories in this year’s Innovation Awards.

Since they began in 2021, the Innovation Awards have shone a light on the businesses, organisations and individuals who are dedicated to innovation in their field of expertise, nationwide.

Voting has now closed, but the nominations reflect the trail-blazing, future-focus of our work from across the University.

Rooted in the West Midlands, the awards were started by the Technology Supply Chain, a fast-growing UK network that aims to connect manufacturers, life sciences and technology firms to funding, collaborations and growth opportunities.

Each category is born out of a desire to showcase and celebrate both progress in innovation, and those who support and make that progress possible. They are open to anyone, and nominations can be generated internally or come from outside the organisation. They comprise of four main categories:

The Innovators: working in the creative arts, construction, defence, education, engineering, life sciences, manufacturing, sustainability and technology sectors.
Individual Innovators: Female, Male and Young Innovator of the Year awards.
Innovation Champions: recognising those who support companies with innovation.
Innovation Thought-leaders: applauding those who facilitate the space, finance and platforms for innovation to thrive.

New for 2025 is the ‘Education Innovator of the Year’ award and we’re delighted to be an inaugural nominee in a category that recognises the work of schools, colleges, universities and training providers, in harnessing innovative techniques to upskill the business leaders and entrepreneurs of the future.

The award criteria for our categories are:

Education Innovator of the Year
This award honours those who are revolutionising education through inventive teaching methods, digital tools, or learning models that improve access, engagement, and outcomes. Whether in early years, schools, higher education, or lifelong learning, the winner is a catalyst for educational transformation in a rapidly evolving world.

Creative Industries Innovator of the Year
Celebrating creativity with impact, this category recognises innovation in fields such as design, media, fashion, gaming, and the arts. The winner brings fresh perspectives, new formats, or inventive storytelling to life—pushing the boundaries of creative expression while contributing to the UK’s cultural and economic vitality.

"The Innovation Awards recognise, celebrate and reward those amazing companies, individuals and organisations that are dedicated to making things better - everything from cutting energy and minimising waste to creating new products and lifting the environment with artwork. We are very excited about the 2025 Innovation Awards."

Richard Fallon Co-founder of the Innovation Awards