Nineteen West Yorkshire businesses have been named as finalists in the £1 million Mayor’s big ideas challenge, each receiving a £20,000 grant and skills package to support a nine-month innovation journey.
The competition supports local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to develop products and services aimed at tackling health inequalities in the region. Finalist innovations include an AI wellbeing companion designed for neurodivergent women, a digital training service for pharmacists and an AI-powered speech and language platform to help children in underserved communities.
Launched in February by Mayor Tracy Brabin as part of her plan for growth, the challenge will see three winners announced in March 2026, each awarded an additional £100,000 to commercialise their solutions.
“These finalists represent the very best of West Yorkshire’s talent, ingenuity and determination to drive positive change,” said Brabin. “Through bold, innovative thinking, each of these businesses are tackling serious health challenges and we’re supporting them to turn their creative ideas into concrete action.”
The initiative, delivered by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and supported by Challenge Works, addresses disparities in life expectancy and health outcomes across the region.
“The 19 finalists have come up with inspiring answers to these challenges. Rooted in personal stories and experiences, the innovations range from products such as wearables that reduce hospital visits, to programmes for teens that combat poor body image and support groups to aid the recovery of those who are healing from traumatic experiences. There is real potential for these solutions to not only improve health inequality across the region, but to effect broader economic, social and civic change,” said Kathy Nothstine, Director of Cities and Societies, Challenge Works.
