Pre-registration is open ahead of Race 2027 (Q1 2027). Register your interest in The Qualifying Races or The Championship Races.
The Deal

Grants, investment, and what it takes to earn them.

The Innovation Races backs ventures in the way that fits their stage. The Qualifying Races award grants to graduates. The Championship Races invest in finalists. Both are earned, never guaranteed, and both are decided on evidence, not on pitch day.

Two things to understand first

Assessment is independent of the backing decision.
Your score is an objective assessment of your venture that is yours to keep and use, whether or not you are backed.
Backing is the conclusion of evidence, not a moment.
Grants in The Qualifying Races follow a verified TRL 6. Investment in The Championship Races follows the full build. We do not decide on pitch day.
The Qualifying Races

The Qualifying Races, grants

Graduating means reaching a verified TRL 6. Graduates earn grant support and automatic entry to the Championship Races Qualifier Event.

Grant details: to be announced.

The Qualifying Races award grants, not investment.

The Championship Races

The Championship Races, investment

The highest-performing finalists receive earned investment through Fountech Labs' own investment capability, a conclusion drawn from the full Championship Races build and each team's tracked record, decided in the closing weeks of the build.

Investment terms: to be announced. Full terms will be published openly here once confirmed.

The Championship Races invest; they do not award grants. Not every finalist receives investment: the decision is based on the evidence of the build.

What every graduating venture receives

Whether or not a venture is backed, every graduate of either race receives:

  • Their complete assessment record, all checkpoint scores and written reports
  • Permanent TIR Founder Network membership
  • Warm introductions to the broader investor network at Demo Day (Championship Races)
  • A Fountech Labs programme reference

What we do not do

We do not take board seats by default.
Any rights attached to investment will be set out plainly in the published terms.
We do not require exclusivity.
You can raise from other investors throughout and after either race.
We do not leave ventures without feedback.
Every graduate receives a written explanation anchored in their assessment record, backed or not.

Grants & investment FAQ

Are grants or investment guaranteed?
No. Qualifying Races grants are earned at a verified TRL 6. Championship Races investment is earned through the build. Neither is guaranteed.
When are the terms confirmed?
Grant amounts and investment terms are to be announced and will be published here once confirmed.
What happens to my assessment scores if I am not backed?
They are yours. Every score and report produced belongs to your venture.
Can I raise from other investors?
Yes. The Innovation Races does not require exclusivity.
The Deal

Earned on evidence.

Both races back ventures on the strength of the record, not the pitch.

Pre-register nowTalk to the team about the terms