FINALISTS OF THE 2025 INNOVATION CHALLENGE ANNOUNCED

Fifteen businesses from across the globe will face their industry peers on 26 June, as they present cutting-edge solutions at the Isle of Man's highly anticipated 2025 Innovation Challenge Finale Day at the Comis Hotel.

The Challenge, aimed at promoting innovation and collaboration in the technology sector, attracted a diverse range of applicants. Over 100 registrations were received from countries including the UK, India, South Africa, Brazil, Austria and Singapore.

Following a rigorous selection process, 15 finalists were chosen for their FinTech, Data & AI, and Cleantech solutions addressing some of the Island’s most pressing needs. In the lead up to the Finale Day in June, finalists will be provided with tailored mentoring and support from leaders in the Island’s tech industries, as well as networking opportunities with industry peers and local businesses as they bring their solutions to life.

Organised by the Isle of Man Department for Enterprise’s Executive Agencies—led by Digital Isle of Man and in collaboration with Business Isle of Man, Finance Isle of Man and Visit Isle of Man—from today, the finalists will collaborate with the Agencies, as well as regulators, industry leaders and local businesses to bring their solutions to life. 

Tim Johnston MHK, Minister for Enterprise, said:

‘I am pleased to see the return of the Innovation Challenge for 2025, continuing to position the Isle of Man as a thriving hub for global innovators. As the Challenge grows each year, attracting ambitious businesses from around the world, it brings forward real-world solutions to sustainability, technology, and financial challenges facing our Island and economy. With the support of our dynamic business community and experienced mentors, this initiative not only drives innovation locally but also reinforces the Island’s role on the global stage.

‘I look forward to seeing the breadth of ideas and talent showcased in this year’s cohort, culminating in what promises to be an exciting Finale Day.’

The competition will conclude at the Finale event on Thursday 26 June, during which finalists will have the opportunity to present their solutions to an expert panel of judges, digital technology businesses and wider industry.

The event will include notable speakers from the industry and key professionals in the financial, business and tech industries.

Categories for this year’s challenge will be in association with local charities, Love Tech for Digital Isle of Man’s Data & AI category, Beach Buddies for Business Isle of Man’s Cleantech category and Junior Achievement for Finance Isle of Man’s Fintech category. The Biosphere Award will also be in association with The UK National Commission for UNESCO.

The winners in each category will receive promotion and publicity both locally and internationally, as well as extended access to the Isle of Man’s marketplace of mentors, potential investors and customers, as well as regulators and Government officers for six months.

Attendee registration for the Innovation Challenge Finale will open on Wednesday 23 April, with the event taking place at the Comis Hotel.

The 15 selected participants for the Innovation Challenge include: 

FinTech finalists: 

• Binderr (Malta) - https://binderr.com/ - Offering the world’s first professional and financial services marketplace, streamlining compliance, onboarding, and risk management through a trusted, independent network. 

• Zumo (UK) - https://zumo.tech/ - Zumo’s innovation, Oxygen, enables ESG-aligned digital asset offerings by transparently offsetting crypto emissions with renewable energy certificates. 

• Spixii (UK) - https://www.spixii.com/ - Automated 24/7 Digital Self-Service for Insurance and Banking: Offers Conversational Process Automation to enhance customer service for insurers, reducing costs and improving engagement through AI-driven personalisation. 

• Own Group (Isle of Man) - https://own-group.co.uk/ - Rent-to-Own Homeownership Solution: A proptech platform enabling renters to build deposit savings over 3-5 years, facilitating homeownership for those stuck in the private rental sector. 

• Staple AI (Singapore) - https://www.staple.ai/ - AI-Powered Unstructured Data Processing: Automates document workflows for financial institutions using AI, machine learning, and OCR, handling 300+ languages and complex layouts with 98% accuracy. 

Data & AI finalists: 

• Carbon Happy World (UK) - https://www.carbonhappy.world/ - Carbon Data Stewardship Foundation: Establishing the Isle of Man as a global leader in sustainability by securely centralising carbon data for public and private sectors. 

• RuleWise (Guernsey) - https://rulewise.net/ - AI Compliance Intelligence (CORE & CREW): Provides specialised AI agents to streamline regulatory workflows and automate compliance. CREW offers dynamic multi-agent compliance solutions. 

• Joggle (UK) - https://joggle.ai/ - AI Assistants for SMEs: User-friendly AI tools for small businesses, helping reduce costs, save time, and grow with AI-driven support. 

• Janus AI (Isle of Man) - https://www.janusai.io/ - AI-Powered Sales and Service Automation: Develops AI agents for businesses and governments to enhance sales and customer service. 

• Early Ideas IOM (Isle of Man) - https://www.earlyideas.org/ - AI-Powered early childhood development through their product, Tandem, which provides AI-generated resources for parents, supporting children’s development with expert-driven guidance. 

Cleantech finalists: 

• Earthscope Isle of Man (Isle of Man) - https://earthscope.im/ - AI-Powered Sustainability for Businesses: Provides board-level sustainability expertise, aligning businesses with environmental values. 

• Lnk Technologies (UK) - https://www.lnktechnologies.co.uk/ - Carbon Emissions reduction platform, CarbonLnk, optimises energy usage, reducing carbon emissions and energy costs for businesses. 

• UniteVerse (Guernsey) - Inclusive venue insights platform & nightlife gateway to a world of nightlife and events, tailored to your unique preferences, while supporting DE&I, safety, and mental health through data-driven insights for venues. 

• Big Bower (Isle of Man) - https://bigbower.com/ - AI Marketplace for sustainable manufacturing: Connecting brands and manufacturers, focusing on sustainable practices and supply chain efficiency. 
• Werk Solutions (UK) - https://www.werksolutions.co.uk/ - Delivering tailored solutions to address capacity challenges for students with special educational needs by integrating sustainable practices and innovative technologies to create inclusive, efficient, and responsible educational environments. 

Further information about the Isle of Man Innovation Challenge can be found here.