News & views

22 April 2026

Nominations are now open for the inaugural Asian Founders Awards, which will celebrate high-growth Asian-led businesses and entrepreneurs from across the UK. The awards will shine a spotlight on innovation, leadership and community impact, with the inaugural ceremony taking place in Leicester on 11 September.

The awards are the latest step in a national programme to support, connect and celebrate Asian entrepreneurs. Launched in 2023 by Barclays Eagle Labs and De Montfort University Leicester, the Asian Founders network has grown into a nationally recognised platform, supporting more than 1,000 founders across 10 UK cities through events, showcases and targeted engagement with investors, corporates and policymakers.

These awards are designed not only to recognise success, but also to raise the profile of Asian-led businesses, connect founders to investors and partners, and create a platform that reflects the scale and ambition of this community.

Nominations are open across nine categories, including:

• Rising Star Award
• Disruptor Award
• Asian Entrepreneur of the Year
• Scale-Up Business of the Year
• Community Impact of the Year
• University Collaboration Award
• Tech Excellence Award

You can nominate here.

A major report led by DMU in 2025 found that, despite contributing an estimated £25 billion to the UK economy, many Asian business owners continue to face barriers including limited access to finance, underrepresentation in investment networks and a lack of visibility at national level. The Asian Founders Awards are intended to help address this by recognising achievement and creating new opportunities for growth and connection.

Poonam Sharma, Manager of Barclays Eagle Labs Leicester, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be partnering on the launch of the Asian Founders Awards to celebrate the ambition, innovation and impact of Asian entrepreneurs across the UK.

“Through Barclays Eagle Labs, we work with high-growth founders every day, and we know the scale of talent and potential within this community. These awards will recognise success, raise visibility and open doors to new opportunities.

“By bringing together founders, investors and industry leaders, the Asian Founders Awards will play an important role in accelerating growth and championing the next generation of UK business leaders.”

Helen Donnellan, Director of Research, Business and Innovation at De Montfort University Leicester, said: “Over the past two years, we’ve worked closely with founders across the UK and heard directly about the barriers they continue to face, particularly around access to networks, investment and visibility.

“The Asian Founders Awards are a direct response to that. They are about recognising excellence, but also about creating a platform that connects founders to real opportunities for growth.

“At DMU we see our role as bringing together business, finance and innovation ecosystems to drive inclusive economic growth. These awards are a clear demonstration of that commitment in action.”

Winners will be selected by an independent panel of business leaders, investors and ecosystem experts, ensuring credibility and rigour in the judging process.

Nominations close on 1 June, with finalists announced later in the summer.