IGNITE social enterprise start-ups contest expands reach for £50k prize pot

Social enterprise grant competition IGNITE is widening its net for entries beyond UK universities, in a move to “democratise access to entrepreneurship”.

Now in its third year, the contest set up and funded by the Ford Family Foundation has previously focused on impact start-ups emerging from UK universities.

But for 2026 it’s moving beyond the university focus, as well as offering a six-week accelerator programme for 16 semi-finalists.

Tony Ford (pictured below), founder of the Ford Family Foundation, commented: “Entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful social mobility engines we have, yet too many brilliant enterprises never get a fair shot. The founders we back make a genuinely transformative difference. Expanding IGNITE beyond universities is about democratising access to entrepreneurship so that where you start doesn't decide where you finish. Whether you're a CIC, an entrepreneurial charity or a for-profit with a social mission at its heart, we want to hear about your potential. We're not expecting perfection, because our expert-led accelerator is there to help you shape, strengthen and scale your idea into an investment-ready venture.”

IGNITE-backed ventures are supporting more than 500,000 people around the world, while follow-on investment from the Ford Family Foundation has totalled more than £650,000 for three previous finalists.

“Entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful social mobility engines we have, yet too many brilliant enterprises never get a fair shot... Expanding IGNITE beyond universities is about democratising access to entrepreneurship so that where you start doesn't decide where you finish.

Applicants with ambition and the drive to make a difference have until 9 August to send in their entries online – and grab the chance to share a £50,000 equity-free prize pot awarded at a pitching and networking event at Barclays' head office in Canary Wharf on 12 November.

Also new this year, IGNITE is offering 16 carefully selected semi-finalists a specially curated six-week social venture accelerator, delivered by partners Cambio Consultancy and Barclays Eagle Labs. Designed to catalyse impact and support founders at a defining moment, it pairs world-class coaching with intensive, hands-on strategy work to take each venture from idea to investment-ready.

After the accelerator in early Autumn, the top six semi-finalists will be selected by a panel of judges to pitch live at the flagship IGNITE event on 12 November.

All 16 semi-finalists will also be given a demonstration space to showcase their ventures to an influential audience of 150 investors, industry leaders and changemakers.

Last year’s winner Solѐne Declas (pictured above, delivering her winning pitch at IGNITE 2025), who founded companionship platform AIBŌ, commented: “Applying for IGNITE gave me the direction I needed to group together my business plan and, most importantly, it led to hundreds of connections and the advisors that have moulded the trajectory of my enterprise. The Ford Family Foundation’s support has been invaluable and the funding has enabled me to reach my next milestone, giving me the confidence to aim even higher.”

To find out more or to sponsor IGNITE, visit ignitecomp.co.uk or email ignite@fordfamilyfoundation.org