Two prestigious prizes offered this year by the Armourers & Brasiers’ Company are now open for applications.
The Armourers & Brasiers Materials Science Venture Prize recognises entrepreneurship excellence in UK materials science and is given as a £25,000 equity investment to support commercialisation. Additional rewards include publicity given for the winner in relevant media, as well as mentoring and networking for the winning team from the extensive A&B network of members and alumni.
The application must be on behalf of a project and a project team that are based in the UK.
Applicants are often closely linked to the major UK university departments engaged in materials research, however applications are also welcomed and encouraged from materials scientists working in industry.
Applicants are encouraged to watch this short film to learn more about the benefits of winning the prize.
Applications must be submitted online via the Armourers & Brasiers website The online application form is structured as a simple business plan.
Please read the FAQs about the Venture Prize before submitting your application.
The closing date for applications is Sunday 15th March 2026.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interview at Armourers’ Hall on Monday 11th May 2026. The winner will be announced at the Armourers & Brasiers Cambridge Forum on Tuesday 16th June 2026.
The Royal Society Armourers & Brasiers’ Company Prize is awarded for excellence in basic research in functional or structural materials, where the research is clearly motivated by the use of these materials.
The prize is awarded biennially, in even years, and consists of a silver gilt medal and a gift of £2,000. It is open to UK/Commonwealth/Republic of Ireland citizens or those who have been residents for three or more years. It is restricted to mid-career through to senior scientists and nominations will remain valid through three award cycles.
Nominations close on 20thFebruary 2026.
Information about the nominations process is available on the Royal Society’s website.
