FUTURE INNOVATORS PITCH CHALLENGE
Where Innovation Meets Industry
Showcase your ideas. Engage with industry leaders. Accelerate your career.
The inaugural "Future Innovators Pitch Challenge" brings together students, researchers, early-career scientists and industry experts from the cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceutical and formulation sectors.
Hosted by the University of Bradford, this unique event provides an opportunity to pitch innovative ideas, research projects and product concepts directly to a panel of industry Dragons and receive real-world feedback from leading professionals.
A platform where ambitious ideas meet industry insight.
Do you have an innovative idea, formulation, research project or technology with potential applications in the cosmetics and personal care industry?
The "Future Innovators Pitch Challenge" is designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry by providing a platform for participants.
Students Undergraduate students
Master's students
PhD students
Early Career Researchers
Postdoctoral researchers
- Present their work to industry professionals
- Receive constructive feedback from expert judges
- Develop presentation and communication skills
- Expand their professional network
- Increase their visibility with potential employers
- Showcase innovation and entrepreneurial thinking .
- Pharmaceutical Science
- Formulation Science
- Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Skin Science
- Personal Care Science
- Sustainable Technologies
- Consumer Products Research
Put your Innovation in the Spotlight
Projects May Include:
Research Projects
- Novel ingredients
- Skin science
- Hair science
- Delivery systems
- Sustainability
Product Innovation
- Formulation concepts
- Product development
- Natural products
- Biotechnology applications
- Consumer-focused innovation
Technology & Process Innovation
- Manufacturing technologies
- Analytical methods
- Testing approaches
- Digital solutions
- Sustainable processes
MEET THE CONFIRMED DRAGONS
Faye Purcell
Rada Ramsay
Additional Dragons will be announced shortly.
Our Dragons Have Real-World perspectives from across the cosmetics industry
Our judging panel will consist of experienced professionals from across the cosmetics industry, including:
Pitch Session
Participants will give a short presentation outlining:
- The challenge or opportunity
- The innovation
- Scientific foundations
- Potential impact
- Commercial relevance
Dragon Questions
Following each presentation, the Dragons will provide feedback and ask questions, helping participants understand how industry evaluates innovation.
-
Awards
Awards are planned for:
🏆 Overall Winner
🏆 Runner-Up
🏆 People's Choice Award
🏆 Innovation Award
Create the connections that move ideas forward.
For Students
- Improve employability
- Gain industry exposure
- Build confidence
- Develop presentation skills
- Strengthen your CV
For Universities
- Showcase student talent
- Strengthen industry partnerships
- Promote innovation and entrepreneurship
For Industry
- Discover emerging talent
- Explore innovative ideas
- Engage with future scientific leaders
- Strengthen links with academia
Save The Details.
The Venue
The Date
The Format
The Attendance
Key Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| University Outreach Begins | September 2026 |
| Event Launch | October 2026 |
| Participant Registration Opens | October 2026 |
| Abstract Submission Deadline | November 2026 |
| Final Presentation Submission | November 2026 |
| Event Day | December 2026 |
Event Partners
Register Your Interest
Interested in nominating students or research teams?
Register your institution's interest
Want to present your work?
Join the waiting list
Interested in becoming a Dragon, sponsor or event supporter?
Contact the Organising Committee