LIF Advance eligibility criteria
We actively encourage applications from all under-represented backgrounds and demographics. The Academy is committed to making reasonable adjustments to remove barriers that hinder participation. This can include things like childcare responsibilities, physical accessibility, and more. If you have questions regarding this, please contact [email protected].
1. Applicants must be working on an innovation that meets the theme: Accessibility, Assistive, and Inclusive Technologies. We are encouraging members of the LIF Community (LIF 1-7, LIF Global 22-25), APEI alumni community (Cycles 1-11), as well as other entrepreneurs working on exceptional solutions that meet the criteria.
2. Have progressed the innovation with which they are applying to the programme to at least TRL Level 7. The innovators must show evidence of a prototype in an operational environment in the application. They should also be able to show initial customer engagement and proof of business concept.
3. Have established a business around their innovation. Applicants will be required to provide evidence of business incorporation in their application. Candidates must be the original innovator and own majority of the shares in the company created.
4. The innovation should have the potential to benefit the applicant’s country, and global benefit, in terms of improving social welfare and driving economic development.
5. The primary application of the innovation must NOT be in the defence, military, or fossil fuel-based energy sectors.
6. Applicants must be able to commit to Advance for:
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a minimum of 10 hours during the ‘welcome week’ of the onboarding and beginning of the remote training (early-January),
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at least 20 days for training and mentoring between January and July,
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a minimum of 13 days for the UK Residential in June-July 2026.
This implies being able to secure availability to attend the programme if selected. The Academy will provide documentation on Advance counting as training or continuous personal development if required once you have joined the cohort. Failure to meet a minimum attendance requirement will result in removal from the UK residential and follow on support.
7. Applicants must be able to commit to travel internationally. All costs associated with the Advance programme will be paid for by the Royal Academy of Engineering, with the exception of visas and travel insurance. Participants will be asked to purchase a travel insurance covering as a minimum: GP access, medical emergencies, and personal accidents. The Academy will consider covering the costs of any caring needs related to travel on a case-by-case basis.
8. Candidates will need to demonstrate fluency in English to participate. This will be a key assessment metric. Make sure to write your application and upload materials fully in English to avoid being unable to gain a place on the programme. Please note that the residential programme will be conducted entirely in English.
9. Applicants must be committed to LIF goals around sustainable development and responsible innovation.
10. Applicants must be aligned to the Academy values, progressive leadership, equity, diversity & inclusion, excellence for impact, collaboration first, and creativity & innovation.
11. Applicants must be interested in exploring partnership, funding, or other development opportunities in the UK innovation ecosystem, or establishing their business in the UK.