If you’re a tech entrepreneur, be it aspiring, scaling or late stage, we have a programme for you. See here...
Supporting climate tech founders
Empowering underrepresented tech founders
Growing late-stage ventures, to IPO and beyond
Powering the UK's most ambitious Series A startups
Championing disabled founders and entrepreneurs innovating around disability
Our previous Rising Stars competition has evolved into two distinct UK early-stage competitions, designed to spotlight the best emerging startups.
Where the UK's most ambitious founders win an opportunity for investment that defines their next chapter
Where early-stage UK startups compete for their share of £2M
Work, Live, Thrive in the UK
Supporting global talent to work live and thrive in UK tech through our various support services
Discover the steps to apply and begin your journey
Gain access to a global talent alumni network to support your journey
Showcasing success stories from our Global Talent Visa Ambassadors
Connecting the world’s brightest minds to UK AI opportunities
Connecting the world’s brightest minds to UK Quantum opportunities
Where early-stage UK startups compete for their share of £2M. Brought to you by Founders Forum Group and Haatch.
NextWave is the UK’s premier early-stage pitch competition for Pre-seed and Seed founders. This May in Manchester, six standout winners will each secure a share of £2 million in investment at the grand final.
Founders, here’s the journey in four steps
Step 1: Apply: Submit your application to NextWave
Step 2: Evaluation: Ecosystem leaders and investors review your application and recommend those they think have the most investment potential
Step 3: Get Selected: Receive your invite to attend the NextWave Final, or even better, get selected as one of the top 20 founders chosen to pitch on stage
Step 4: Win Big: Secure game-changing connections, build your network, or win a £335K investment opportunity
Tech Nation’s exclusive founder-investor connector is coming to Manchester!
Whether you’re a founder, investor or ecosystem leader, register your interest to attend:
🌟 Be in with a chance to win an investment opportunity of £335,000 from Haatch
🌟 Connect with investors from across the UK
🌟 Gain insights from high profile panelists
🌟 Take part in curated roundtable discussions
🤝 Meet exceptional pre-seed and seed-stage founders from across the UK
🤝 Get early access to vetted, investment-ready companies
🤝 Build relationships with co-investors and ecosystem leaders
🌐 Connect with other ecosystem leaders from across the UK
🌐 Showcase your companies on a national stage
🌐 Expand your investor base by forming connections with new investors
20 startups will be selected from hundreds of applications across the UK to pitch at the NextWave Final. At least six companies will receive investment opportunities of £335,000 each on the day.
Take part in curated roundtable discussions, network with investors, and learn from high-profile industry speakers in an immersive founder-investor environment.
Access our network directory to see who is in the room and use the dedicated spaces to set up curated 1:1 meetings with other attendees.
Every UK region gets a voice. We’re committed to showcasing diverse talent from across the UK, beyond traditional tech hubs. By bringing regional ecosystems together into one centralised national event, founders gain exposure to investors, partners, and operators from across the entire UK.
NextWave has worked with leading names from across the UK tech community, including:
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation & Technology
Founder, Beauty Pie
Managing Partner and Head of Europe, Google Ventures
Founder, Proximie
CEO, London Stock Exchange
Founder, HelpBnk.com
CEO, Vitabiotics and Dragon, Dragon’s Den
Broadcaster and Founder, Diversify
Based in the heart of Manchester, Sister will be recognised internationally as one of the world’s leading applied innovation districts – a vibrant hub where ideas, investment and enterprise come together. Set across 4 million sq ft, Sister brings together start-ups, university spin-outs, global corporates, researchers and investors in a connected ecosystem designed to spark collaboration and accelerate growth.
A joint venture between The University of Manchester and Bruntwood SciTech, Sister combines world-class research and industry expertise to create a community where businesses of all sizes can innovate, scale and succeed, driving inclusive economic growth across Manchester and beyond. At the centre of this ecosystem is the Renold Innovation Hub, offering tailored support for early-stage businesses through flexible workspace, access to research expertise, specialist events, mentorship, and connections to investors and funders.
Yes, startups must confirm they are currently SEIS registered or are in the process of securing this. Startups must be fully registered by the end of the judging period on 30th March 2026, giving founders approximately 9 weeks to secure their SEIS status.
Yes, NextWave is open to startups from all regions of the UK.
Yes, in-person attendance is mandatory for shortlisted startups, as this is a live event with a live judging panel. The Founder should be the one pitching at the event.
The investment is subject to due diligence and a formal agreement. If the terms cannot be mutually agreed upon, both the founder and investors have the option to step away from the arrangement.
The competition is for B2B companies. However, B2B2C companies can be eligible if their revenue is primarily generated through B2B transactions or channels.
The transfer of funds will occur at the end of June.
The valuation will be determined by the investors, following their standard practices. Investors will subscribe for shares in the company, subject to a successful pitch and investor interest.
No, these terms are a preliminary indication of interest. The investment is subject to successful business, financial, and legal due diligence, as well as the negotiation and execution of mutually agreeable investment documents.
