The Ada Breakthrough Award

Inspired by Ada Lovelace, The Ada Breakthrough Award, celebrates early-stage founders, from underrepresented communities, who have faced significant barriers while working on game-changing ideas that will benefit humanity.

The programme supports entrepreneurs, working on innovations in science, technology and engineering in navigating the challenges of being an early-stage founder, while increasing their visibility, access to networks and exposure to the investment landscape.

We’ve worked with founders to better understand the challenges they face and build a valuable award programme, harnessing our partners’ collective expertise, networks and roles in tech entrepreneurship to champion and support future leaders . 

What does this programme offer? 

Over the course of a year, we will support a cohort of up to 10 awardees.  Award benefits include: 

• Elevating your profile: Networking launch event showcasing the cohort of awardees, WIRED editorial announcing the awardees
• Expanding your network: The programme is augmented with networking opportunities with experts and innovators from the Royal Academy of Engineering, DeepMind and Ada Networks. You will also join a community of entrepreneurs, providing you with an invaluable peer network who can offer you with mutual support around challenges.
• Mental Health support: 12 months access to Spill's core features, including Ask a Therapist, mental health tools and 12 x 50min Spill therapy sessions during the year. Awardees will also have access to wellbeing sessions through Royal Academy of Engineering
• Personal and professional development: Access to expert-led workshops to help you develop your ‘game-changing’ idea, including the 100 days of no code 30 day bootcamp. 1-1 mentoring through Ada’s Angels and scout networks and discussions tailored to you.
• Unlocking financial support: Tailored workshops on fundraising, cash award for personal development; access to co-working space at the Royal Academy of Engineering's Taylor Centre in central London.

All programme content is expert-led, offering you access to and insights from a network of industry experts, investors and business support providers. 

There is no cost to you of taking part in the programme. Participation is subject to a competitive application process and a successful interview.

What do we expect from you? 

The award will be delivered through the Royal Academy of Engineering . We are a charity and therefore take no equity or fees. All we ask is that you participate fully to make the most of the help on offer and support the rest of your cohort via the peer-to-peer learning opportunities.  

The time commitment expected: 

• Attendance of four virtual expert-led sessions (the full session list will be informed by the needs of the cohort) 
• Attendance of launch event in London in March 2023 
• On completion of the programme, we will ask Ada Breakthrough alumni to help shape and support a community for future cohorts of awardees.

The Ada Breakthrough Award is run in partnership with DeepMind, the Royal Academy of Engineering and Ada Ventures.