INNOVATION CHALLENGE 2025 OPENS APPLICATIONS FOR SOLUTIONS DRIVING TECH ON THE ISLE OF MAN

Announced at Digital Isle 2024, global tech companies are being invited to enter the Isle of Man’s third annual Innovation Challenge, a competition seeking transformative solutions in FinTech, Cleantech, and Data & Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The Innovation Challenge has officially opened applications for its 2025 cohort, welcoming businesses and organisations worldwide to present groundbreaking solutions that tackle specific challenges and foster the growth of technological innovation in the Isle of Man.

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 and Finance Isle of Man—this Challenge offers a platform for global innovators to engage with government bodies, regulators, and local businesses.

The cohort will gain access to the island's dynamic tech ecosystem and its unique status as a UNESCO Biosphere, creating valuable opportunities to scale solutions that deliver tangible, positive impact for both the island and the innovators involved.

Applications are being accepted until 28 February across the FinTech, Cleantech, and Data & AI categories. Participants are invited to explore transformative solutions in areas such as AI-driven tourism and data integrity, sustainable energy and eco-efficient supply chains, and advancing customer engagement, sustainable investing, and nature-positive financial systems.

Winners will be recognised in four key categories: Data & AI, FinTech, Cleantech, and a special Biosphere Award, which will honour the finalist who demonstrates the greatest commitment to positively contributing to the Biosphere.

Since its inception, the Innovation Challenge has attracted over 130 businesses from more than 20 countries, with past winners delivering trailblazing solutions.

Last year’s winners included re-universe, in the Cleantech category, for their packaging return and reuse system. Acentrik (Mercedes-Benz) were the winners of the Data and AI category for their leading data exchange solution. Umazi were winners of the Fintech category with their solution designed to address challenges related to client data and on-boarding for businesses. The Biosphere category winner was 4Learn for their innovative PLAI software, which offers customised learning solutions in education.

Since winning, all four winners have benefited from strengthened relationships with government bodies and valuable industry guidance, which has supported their continued growth and development, both on-Island and in the industry.

The Challenge will undergo a rigorous selection process in March 2025 following the application deadline, when 16 finalists will be selected based on their ambition, market potential, and scalability. Over the following months, the cohort will work to further develop their solutions to meet the Island’s pressing needs, before presenting them at the Innovation Challenge Finale Day on Thursday 26 June 2025.

The 2024 Innovation Challenge Finale event featured keynotes from renowned experts, including Professor Sue Black OBE, a computer scientist and AI expert, and Mike Rose, a leading data strategist.

Minister for Enterprise  Tim Johnston MHK said:

“The Innovation Challenge is about bringing forward solutions with real-world applications and benefits. By connecting innovators with government and industry leaders, we’re advancing technology and sustainability, core tenets of our Island Plan and Economic Strategy.”

In addition to gaining local and international visibility, winners of the 2025 Innovation Challenge will receive extended access to a dynamic network of mentors, potential investors and regulatory guidance for six months, enabling them to further develop their solutions.

Applications for the 2025 Innovation Challenge are now open to businesses worldwide, with the Isle of Man welcoming solutions that align with its tech and sustainability ambitions. For further details and to apply, visit www.innovationiom.com.