SME Emerging Technology Award

Established 2026

SCI®'s SME Emerging Technology Award recognises and celebrates a science-led Small or Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) that has demonstrated exceptional potential or recent measurable impact through the successful translation of science into a technology or innovative process.

The award celebrates a single ambitious scientific business that is solving real-world challenges through science and technology, while demonstrating strong prospects for future growth and industry leadership. The award is open to an SME working in any country.

Nominations open - complete online form

Award Information

Presentation of Award

The award will be presented at SCI's annual awards dinner in May by a member of the judging panel, or an invited guest of high standing in the scientific and industrial communities.

The winner of the SME Emerging Technology Award will receive a complimentary year of SCI ® SME membership, and a complimentary space to exhibit at our 2027 SME Showcase, being held at SCI headquarters, in the autumn of 2027.

Nominations

The Award is managed by SCI. Applications will be accepted by self-nomination.

Nominations will consist of a completed online nomination form and details of the emerging technology provided by completion of an electronic application form sent to awards@soci.org

Eligibility Criteria

    Background
    • Organisation must meet the definition of a Small or Medium-Sized Enterprise (SME) from any country
    • Be science-led and operating within sectors aligned with SCI’s mission
    • Have a technology that has been developed within the last 5 years
    • Demonstrate measurable technological progress, growth or impact within the last 3 years or demonstrate potential for future impact.
    Areas
    • An industry that has a primary focus in products/processes requiring chemistry or chemistry-related science
    • Technology must have a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of ≥3
    • Technology must contribute to advancing society and related to science across SCI key theme areas of Global Health, Climate Change and Sustainability
    • Evidence of demonstrable, measurable outcomes or potential as a result of the technology will be requested as part of the application process
    • Applications which can demonstrate a material impact for society will be favoured.

Timetable

Nominations open 27 October 2026
Nominations close 4 December 2026 midday
Shortlist announced April 2027
Awards Dinner 19 May 2027

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Awards

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