Welsh ICE is very pleased to be partnering with Visiativ UK & Ireland to launch our first Inventors & Product Founders Challenge.
The challenge is for people developing physical products, inventions and early-stage product businesses. It offers participants the opportunity to explain their idea, receive practical pitch support and connect with organisations that understand product development and start-up support.
You do not need to have a finished product or a polished business plan to apply. Your idea might currently be a sketch, an early prototype, something you have made at home or a concept you have been thinking about for some time.
As this is the first time Welsh ICE and Visiativ have delivered this challenge, we want to explain clearly how it will work, who it is for and what applicants can expect.
Who is the challenge for?
The challenge is aimed at:
- inventors with an idea for a new physical product
- makers and designers developing something they would like to sell
- founders building an early-stage product business
- engineers and technical founders working on a new product
- graduates or researchers exploring the commercial potential of an idea
- people with an early prototype, model, sketch or product concept
- innovation-led entrepreneurs who need help communicating their idea
The challenge is primarily focused on physical products that could be designed, developed and eventually manufactured.
This could include consumer products, equipment, tools, components, assistive products, sustainable products or other physical inventions.
The product does not need to be finished. However, applicants should be able to explain what they are developing, who it could help and what stage they have reached.
How will the challenge work?
Applicants will be asked to complete a short application explaining their product idea or early-stage business.
Welsh ICE and Visiativ will then review the applications and select a group of finalists.
Being selected as a finalist does not mean that you need to arrive with a perfect presentation. The purpose of the next stage is to help you prepare.
Finalists will be invited to a practical workshop at Welsh ICE on Wednesday 2 September 2026. During the workshop, participants will receive support to develop a clear and engaging three-minute pitch.
The final competition and pitch day will take place at Welsh ICE on Wednesday 16 September 2026. Finalists will present their ideas to representatives from Welsh ICE, Visiativ and invited judges or supporters.
Both activities will take place at:
Welsh ICE
Ty Merlin
Caerphilly Business Park
Caerphilly
CF83 3GS
Finalists should be available to attend both the workshop and the pitch day.
What will finalists receive?
Selected finalists will receive:
- free support to prepare a strong three-minute pitch
- a place at the finalist pitch workshop
- the opportunity to present their idea at Welsh ICE
- free coworking access at Welsh ICE on the competition day
- the opportunity to meet representatives from Visiativ and Welsh ICE
- introductions or signposting to relevant support where appropriate
- potential visibility through Welsh ICE and Visiativ’s channels
We may also connect finalists with relevant Welsh ICE experts, partners or business support opportunities where these are suitable and available.
However, participation does not guarantee funding, investment, sales, commercial contracts or acceptance onto another support programme.
The main purpose of the challenge is to help founders communicate their ideas more confidently, receive useful feedback and identify possible next steps.
What will the winner receive?
The overall winner will receive a five-day Visiativ training course, valued at approximately £1,900.
The winner may also receive:
- visibility through Visiativ’s LinkedIn page or website
- visibility through Welsh ICE’s channels and community
- introductions to relevant organisations and contacts
- access to suitable Welsh ICE founder support
The exact course arrangements and availability will be confirmed by Visiativ.
Could applicants receive free SOLIDWORKS access?
Eligible entrants may also have the opportunity to apply for up to 12 months of free access to SOLIDWORKS through the SOLIDWORKS for Startups Program.
SOLIDWORKS is professional computer-aided design software used to create detailed 3D product designs, models and technical drawings.
The programme is intended for early-stage businesses developing physical products. Visiativ’s UK eligibility checker asks whether the business:
- is planning to make a physical product that can be designed using the software
- intends for the product to be manufactured
- has been trading for less than five years
- is using SOLIDWORKS commercially for the first time
- falls within the programme’s funding and revenue limits.
The official SOLIDWORKS programme also states that applicants should be designing and building a physical product with the intention of selling it, have less than $1 million in revenue and have been operating for no more than five years. Current SOLIDWORKS customers, consultancies, contract manufacturers and businesses offering design or engineering services to other organisations are generally not eligible.
Entering the Welsh ICE challenge does not automatically guarantee free SOLIDWORKS access.
Each application to the SOLIDWORKS for Startups Program is assessed separately. Visiativ and SOLIDWORKS will confirm whether an applicant meets the criteria and which software or support is available.
You can still apply for the challenge if you are unsure whether you meet the SOLIDWORKS criteria. The wider challenge may still provide useful pitch support, feedback and connections.
What should you include in your application?
You do not need to submit a detailed business plan.
We would like to understand:
- what your product or invention is
- what problem it is intended to solve
- who might use or buy it
- what stage the idea has reached
- what you would like help with
- why you would benefit from taking part in the challenge
Be clear and honest about your current stage. An early idea will not be judged as though it were a finished product.
Important dates
- Finalists selected by: Wednesday 19 August 2026
- Finalist pitch workshop: Wednesday 2 September 2026
- Final competition and pitch day: Wednesday 16 September 2026
Applicants selected as finalists will receive further information about timings, preparation and what to bring.
About Visiativ
Visiativ UK & Ireland supports product designers, engineers, manufacturers and early-stage product businesses with SOLIDWORKS software, training and technical expertise.
We are very pleased to partner with Visiativ for this challenge and to combine its product design knowledge with Welsh ICE’s experience of supporting founders, start-ups and growing businesses.
Together, we want to create a useful and welcoming opportunity for people who have a physical product idea but may need help explaining it, developing it or deciding what to do next.
Ready to apply?
Applications are open to inventors, makers, designers and early-stage product founders.
You do not need a finished product. You just need an idea that you are serious about exploring and the willingness to explain it.
Find out more and apply through Eventbrite
Bring your idea, strengthen your pitch and take your next step with Welsh ICE and Visiativ.
