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Got a product idea, invention or prototype you want to take further?
The Visiativ x Welsh ICE Inventors & Product Founders Challenge is a practical opportunity for early-stage founders, inventors, makers, designers and innovation-led entrepreneurs to develop their idea, sharpen their pitch and access specialist product development support.
Whether you have a rough sketch, a working prototype, a physical product idea or an early-stage business concept, this challenge is designed to help you explain your idea more clearly, explore your next steps and connect with people who can help you move it forward.
This is not just a pitch competition. Selected finalists will receive support from Welsh ICE to prepare a strong 3-minute elevator pitch, before presenting their idea at a final competition day at Welsh ICE in Caerphilly.
The challenge is delivered in partnership with Visiativ UK & Ireland, an official SOLIDWORKS reseller and digital design partner supporting product designers, engineers, manufacturers and hardware start-ups across the UK and Ireland.
Who is this for?
This challenge is for people with an idea for a physical product, invention, prototype or product-led business.
You might be:
- an inventor with an idea you have been developing
- a founder working on a physical product
- a maker, designer, engineer or creative with a product concept
- an early-stage business exploring product development
- a graduate or entrepreneur with an innovation-led idea
- someone who has built, sketched or imagined something and wants to know what comes next
You do not need to have everything figured out. You do not need a polished business plan. You do not need to be ready to launch.
You just need a product idea with potential and a willingness to pitch it.
What selected finalists will receive
Finalists selected for the challenge will receive:
- free Welsh ICE support to develop a strong 3-minute elevator pitch
- access to a finalist pitch workshop on Wednesday 2 September 2026
- free coworking access at Welsh ICE on the competition day
- the opportunity to access relevant Meet the Experts support on the morning of the competition day, where available
- the chance to pitch their idea to Welsh ICE, Visiativ and invited judges/supporters
- visibility through Welsh ICE and partner channels, where appropriate
The final pitch day will take place at Welsh ICE, Ty Merlin, Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly, CF83 3GS on Wednesday 16 September 2026.
Winner package
The winner will receive:
- a 5-day Visiativ training course, understood to be worth approximately £1,900
- winner spotlighting through Visiativ’s network, including LinkedIn and/or website where appropriate
- Welsh ICE spotlighting and community visibility
- access to relevant Welsh ICE support and wider ecosystem introductions
- any additional support agreed by Welsh ICE and Visiativ
SOLIDWORKS Start-up Program eligibility
Eligible entrants may also be able to access Visiativ’s 12-month free SOLIDWORKS package, subject to Visiativ’s usual eligibility criteria.
The SOLIDWORKS for Startups Program is designed for early-stage hardware start-ups and product-led businesses. According to SOLIDWORKS, businesses usually need to meet the following criteria:
- you are designing and building a physical product with the aim of selling it in the market
- your company has less than £1 million in revenue
- your company is no more than 5 years old
Through Visiativ, eligible early-stage businesses may be able to access 12 months’ free SOLIDWORKS software, including SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD and related product development tools. Eligibility, access and availability are confirmed by Visiativ and are subject to their approval process.
Please note: taking part in the challenge does not automatically guarantee access to the SOLIDWORKS Start-up Program. Visiativ will confirm eligibility directly with applicants where relevant.
Key dates
Applications open: July/August 2026
Finalists selected by: Wednesday 19 August 2026
Finalist pitch workshop: Wednesday 2 September 2026
Final competition / pitch day: Wednesday 16 September 2026
Location: Welsh ICE, Ty Merlin, Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly, CF83 3GS
Why apply?
If you have an idea for a product, invention or prototype, this challenge can help you:
- explain your idea more clearly
- understand how to pitch it in a simple and compelling way
- connect with founder support at Welsh ICE
- learn more about product design tools such as SOLIDWORKS
- access specialist support from Visiativ, where eligible
- build confidence around your next step
- put your idea in front of people who understand start-ups, product development and innovation
This is a great opportunity if your idea is still early, rough or developing. You do not need to have all the answers before applying.
How to apply
Complete the short application form and tell us about your product idea, invention, prototype or early-stage business concept.
Applications will be reviewed, and selected finalists will be invited to take part in the pitch workshop and final competition day.
Spaces for finalists are limited.
Apply now
If you have a product idea worth exploring, we would love to hear from you. To register interest, Reserve A Spot, and we'll be in touch.
Bring the idea. Build the pitch. Take the next step.
