Could your idea be the ‘Next Big Thing’?

Hosted by Felix Medd, Director – Head of R&D at TC Group, the challenge is open to aspiring founders, early-stage businesses and innovators developing products, services or technologies with the potential to solve real-world problems and shape the future.

Whether it’s a fledgling concept, a working prototype or a business already gaining traction, applicants will have the opportunity to showcase their innovation, gain expert feedback and build valuable connections within Milton Keynes’ thriving technology and innovation community.

The competition aims to showcase the depth of entrepreneurial talent emerging from Milton Keynes and the wider South Midlands region.

The judging panel brings together expertise spanning investment, entrepreneurship, engineering, innovation funding and business growth. Applicants will pitch to:

Unlike traditional pitch events, ‘Next Big Thing?’ has been designed to provide practical support, mentorship and connections that can help founders accelerate their growth journey.

All finalists will receive dedicated pitch coaching and preparation support from Barclays Eagle Labs, alongside the opportunity to showcase their ideas to investors, founders, business leaders and technology professionals from across the region.

The winner will receive a prize package worth up to £12,500, including mentoring, innovation expertise and business growth support. They will be able to choose between two headline prize packages: one focused on product development and commercialisation through Inond® and Hooper Quinn, or a founder growth and investment package featuring mentoring from angel investor Jeremy Hindle. Both packages include three additional hours of personalised mentoring and business growth support from Barclays Eagle Labs and one year’s complimentary R&D Tax Credit advice, preparation and submission support from TC Group**.

The runner-up will receive the alternative prize package, while the highly commended entrant will gain valuable recognition and visibility across Milton Keynes’ business and technology community.

The event forms part of the finale programme for MK Tech Week 2026 and aims to showcase the next generation of innovators emerging from Milton Keynes and the wider South Midlands region.

Applicants could be developing anything from breakthrough software and AI solutions to engineering innovations, sustainability technologies, consumer products or entirely new ways of solving existing challenges.

Felix Medd shared, “Milton Keynes has an incredible track record of innovation and entrepreneurship, and we’re excited to shine a spotlight on the founders, problem-solvers and innovators who are shaping what’s next. This isn’t just about winning a trophy. It’s about gaining access to experienced founders, investors, innovators and business leaders who can help turn an idea into reality.”

From AI and software to engineering, sustainability and consumer products, we’re looking for ambitious people with ideas worth sharing.

Entrepreneurs, innovators and founders interested in taking part can apply now.

Successful applicants will be invited to participate in the live final on Friday 16 October 2026 as part of the MK Tech Week Finale (5-8.30pm).

For those sitting on an idea, developing a prototype or building the next generation of technology businesses, this could be the opportunity to share it with the people who can help make it happen.

What’s the next big thing? It could be yours.

Event: Next Big Thing? The Start-Up Pitch Challenge (hosted by TC Group)
Date: Friday 16 October 2026, 5pm-8.30pm
Venue: x+why, Unity Place, Milton Keynes
Part of: MK Tech Week 2026
Applications close: Friday 2 October 2026 – APPLY HERE
Prize fund: Up to £12,500* worth of mentoring, innovation support and business growth expertise*
Free spectator tickets: Book via Eventbrite

Attendance includes: Pizza, drinks and networking

*Prize package value is based on the selected prize option and is subject to availability, eligibility criteria and individual provider terms and conditions.

**R&D Tax Credit advice, preparation and submission support is valued at up to £8,000 and is subject to qualifying R&D activity being identified and approved by TC Group’s R&D Compliance Lead in accordance with current legislation and HMRC guidance.

TC Group’s an Accountancy Age Top 20 firm of business advisors and accountants, providing accountancy, tax, advisory, legal and financial planning services to businesses and individuals across the UK.

With more than 2,000 people across over 70 offices nationwide, TC Group supports more than 35,000 clients by combining national scale with local expertise, delivering proactive, relationship-led advice that helps clients achieve sustainable growth, safeguard wealth and navigate an increasingly complex business landscape.

TC Group’s local offices in Leicester, Milton Keynes, Northampton, and Southampton, have collectively been named one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026.

TC Group Milton Keynes: 01908 754600