Applications are now open for the CreaTech Ones to Watch 2021 competition, the Creative Industries Council’s annual awards for the UK’s most brilliant creative technology or ‘CreaTech’ companies.
The competition is looking for pioneering new projects, products or services built on the convergence of creativity and technology.
CreaTech Ones to Watch 2021 celebrates inspiring companies and consortiums from across the UK which are developing new business models or revenue streams by bringing together:
Creative skills from industries such as videogames, fashion, film & TV production, music, design, animation and advertising with innovative uses of technologies, such as AR/MR/VR, AI and machine learning, virtual production, the internet of things, 5G, blockchain or DLT, robotics, or any other areas of emerging technology.
The competition aims to highlight innovative UK-based projects which are either:
- changing the way people connect, engage and consume by using new and emerging technologies in creative ways
or
- enabling innovation and growth through creative use of technology across other sectors of the economy.
The competition’s selection process will also take account of the following five factors:
- Surprise factor (creativity + originality):
Is it something the council hasn’t come across before? Is it cool and surprising in the way technology meets creativity, taking advantage of the latest developments in hardware and software to offer new and exciting products, services and experiences? - Purpose factor (effectiveness + problem-solving):
Does it solve a problem and mobilise businesses to accomplish new or existing goals delivering new opportunities in the way people live, work, play and learn. - Disruptive factor (originality + ambition):
Does it show signs of having ramifications beyond the immediate discovery and the potential to transform the way businesses operate and service markets? - Cross-sectoral impact and/or opportunity for global collaboration:
Does it offer the opportunity to deliver true creative sector/technology partnerships and collaboration across sectors and industries in the UK and worldwide. The case studies will have a UK creative originator but can also showcase some interesting collaborations with foreign partners (either tech partners or clients) - Commercial impact:
Is the innovation far enough along to be able to offer evidence of likely commercial viability. It needs to be at least in a prototype stage; being trialled; won an award; or have funding. Ideally it has a business plan and projected growth targets with early or proven evidence of success.
In addition the judges will be looking for enthusiasm, commitment and passion from the team behind the innovation.
Entries to the CreaTech Ones to Watch 2021 competition is FREE and it offers winners a wide range of benefits:
Reaching a wider audience
As well as getting in front of the award’s selection panel of industry leaders, successful applicants will have the chance to reach a global audience of policy-makers, investors and leaders across the creative and tech sectors. The Creative Industries Council will profile Ones To Watch projects within its events programme and on the Creative Industries Council website, social media channels and newsletter.
Enhanced Credibility
Being chosen for the CreaTech Ones to Watch 2021 showcase is a powerful endorsement of your project that will add gravitas to your press & investor pitches, sales calls, recruitment ads and marketing campaigns.
Build your brand
Winners will receive a publicity pack to help you promote your win, including a press release template, social media graphics and a CreaTech Ones to Watch 2021 competition badge to use on your website and marketing communications.
Exclusive Support Partner
The Creative Industries Council’s media accountants and advisers Moore Kingston Smith, will offer an exclusive support package to the CreaTech Ones to Watch 2021 to help maximise their growth and profit potential. This will include access to FREE:
- One-to-one business consultation with media specialist accountants and advisers from Moore Kingston Smith
- Business plan review by Moore Kingston Smith corporate finance experts
- Guidance on tax breaks and new laws that will impact your business
- International insights (supported by Moore Global association)
- Networking events
- Webinars on key topics
- Introductions to investors
- Roundtable capital market updates
- Feedback on pitch decks from Moore Kingston Smith corporate finance experts
Interested in entering? Wondering if you qualify? You can see the complete list of 100 winners from the 2020 CreaTech Ones to Watch 2020 competition
Submit a CreaTech Ones to Watch 2021 competition entry.
Entries close: Friday 25 June 2021.
Photo by Danny Howe on Unsplash
