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An initiative supporting scalable companies that rejuvenate London’s prosperity, while strengthening our creative industries community and growing our economy.

A City of London-funded London Community Recovery Network project, TechAlliance launched the London Innovation Challenge in 2020 to accelerate and scale select London-developed solutions to address the recovery in areas of focus identified by the London community – Investing in People, Driving Prosperity and Fostering Community.

The London Innovation Challenge encouraged London innovators to develop a sustainable technology solution to address challenges facing our community. Recipients of each Challenge received funding (ranging from $20,000 - $40,000) plus custom business advisory services through TechAlliance growth coaches and a suite of other benefits.

Challenge 1: Reimagine Systems for People

Challenge 1: Reimagine Systems for People asked innovators to address the challenge of ensuring businesses support underemployed Londoners by engaging in equitable hiring, investments in people, and focusing on inclusivity to drive sustainable growth in London. Winners of the first Challenge were Caring Support, Locorum and Zersent. Each venture received $20,000 in funding, custom business advisory services through TechAlliance growth coaches and a suite of other benefits.

Challenge 2: Strengthen Business Health

Challenge 2: Strengthen Business Health asked innovators to address the challenge of supporting small businesses, including culture and tourism-based operators focused on safe post-pandemic environments, and marketing initiatives – allowing these businesses to adapt to changing consumer behaviours to advance the prosperity of London’s economy. Winners of the second Ecologicca, Size Wise and Labourly. Each venture received $20,000 in funding, custom business advisory services through TechAlliance growth coaches and a suite of other benefits.

Challenge 3 and 4: Bolster Creative Industries

Challenge 3 and 4: Bolster Creative Industries asked innovators to use technology to inspire innovation and provide access to resources that facilitate growth within London’s film, television, music, visual arts, entertainment, gaming, events and tourism sectors. Winners of the third Challenge were Biosa Technologies and Exar Studios whereas winners of the fourth Challenge were Broad Films and Corduroy Earth. Each venture received $40,000 in funding, custom business advisory services through TechAlliance growth coaches and a suite of other benefits.

TechAlliance’s Innovation Challenge demonstrates how a community-based approach to innovation works in London. In our ecosystem we move faster and further when there is strong collaboration between creative industries and technology. By bolstering platforms that grow business in music, film, arts, gaming, events and tourism, Challenge 4 will deliver the London Community Recovery Network goals of Investing in People, Driving Prosperity and Fostering Community.
Josh Morgan, Mayor, City of London
Modernizing equitable access to spaces and bridging gaps in film, music, entertainment, and the arts is paramount to continued economic growth for one of Canada’s fastest growing urban centres.
Christina Fox, Chief Executive Officer, TechAlliance
TechAlliance’s Innovation Challenge demonstrates how a community-based approach to innovation works in London. In our ecosystem we move faster and further when there is strong collaboration between creative industries and technology. By bolstering platforms that grow business in music, film, arts, gaming, events and tourism, Challenge 4 will deliver the London Community Recovery Network goals of Investing in People, Driving Prosperity and Fostering Community.
Josh Morgan, Mayor, City of London
Modernizing equitable access to spaces and bridging gaps in film, music, entertainment, and the arts is paramount to continued economic growth for one of Canada’s fastest growing urban centres.
Christina Fox, Chief Executive Officer, TechAlliance
TechAlliance’s Innovation Challenge demonstrates how a community-based approach to innovation works in London. In our ecosystem we move faster and further when there is strong collaboration between creative industries and technology. By bolstering platforms that grow business in music, film, arts, gaming, events and tourism, Challenge 4 will deliver the London Community Recovery Network goals of Investing in People, Driving Prosperity and Fostering Community.
Josh Morgan, Mayor, City of London
Modernizing equitable access to spaces and bridging gaps in film, music, entertainment, and the arts is paramount to continued economic growth for one of Canada’s fastest growing urban centres.
Christina Fox, Chief Executive Officer, TechAlliance

Media Highlights

The London Innovation Challenge aims to support the city’s pandemic recovery through sustainable technology solutions- London Inc Magazine
London Innovation Challenge winners receive $40K each- CTV News London
London Innovation Challenge is looking at innovators to find ways to support London- Global News