News 01 17 June 2026 Founder recognition
Reading, United Kingdom, 17 June 2026. Vedaprabhu Basavarajappa, founder of BeamGrid™ Technologies LTD, has been named a finalist in the 2026 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards in the Innovation Entrepreneur of the Year category.
National recognition for innovation
The Great British Entrepreneur Awards recognise the people behind growing businesses and the decisions, resilience and ambition involved in building companies that last.
Often described as the Grammys of entrepreneurship, the awards celebrate business stories from across the United Kingdom. Past winners include the founders of Simmer Eats, Grenade, ClearScore, Zilch and Unbiased.
The 2026 shortlist brings together businesses from every nation and region of the United Kingdom. According to the awards organisers, the shortlist represents:
- 5,000 applications received
- 740 businesses shortlisted
- £3.3 billion in combined turnover
- More than 17,700 jobs supported
- More than 2,700 new jobs being created
- More than 5,200 years of combined trading
- 40% women-led businesses
- 10 United Kingdom regions and nations represented
- 50% already selling overseas
Founder comment
“Being named a finalist for Innovation Entrepreneur of the Year is a huge honour. BeamGrid™ Technologies was built on the belief that advanced antenna innovation can solve real-world connectivity challenges, and I’m proud that our work is being recognised on a national stage. This is a moment to celebrate the team, our customers and everyone who has supported the journey so far.”
Vedaprabhu Basavarajappa, founder of BeamGrid™ Technologies LTD
BeamGrid™ milestones
- Developed advanced antenna technology to address real-world connectivity challenges
- Built BeamGrid™ Technologies from Reading with a focus on United Kingdom-led engineering innovation
- Progressed from early-stage research and development into practical product development
- Created technology aimed at improving wireless performance, reliability and coverage
- Built partnerships and conversations across the telecoms, defence, aerospace and technology sectors
- Established BeamGrid™ Technologies as an innovation-led business in the antenna and connectivity sector
- Achieved national recognition as a finalist for Innovation Entrepreneur of the Year
Awards context
“When we launched the Great British Entrepreneur Awards in 2012, we set out to back the businesses that get on and build, the ones that don't always get the recognition they deserve. More than a decade on, over 5,000 applications tell me we were onto something. This year's cohort represents billions in turnover and tens of thousands of jobs, but what I'm proudest of is the determination behind those numbers. These are founders who have stuck with it through every kind of year, and championing them is exactly why we do this.”
Frankie James, founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards
The Great British Entrepreneur Awards are supported by Allica Bank.
“What stands out this year is the optimism and ambition that continue to define the UK's established business community. Having run my own business, I know the resilience, creativity and sheer determination it takes to build something that lasts, especially in challenging times.”
“Established businesses are the real economy, making up a third of the UK's GDP and employment, and represented in every town across the country. At Allica, we're proud to support and celebrate their contribution through the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.”
Conrad Ford, Chief Product & Strategy Officer at Allica Bank
Notes to editors
About the Great British Entrepreneur Awards
Launched in 2012, the Great British Entrepreneur Awards celebrate the work and stories of entrepreneurs and business owners across the United Kingdom. The awards are part of Ideas Community, the entrepreneurship ecosystem behind Ideas Fest.
Visit the Great British Entrepreneur Awards website or learn about Ideas Fest.
About BeamGrid™ Technologies LTD
BeamGrid™ Technologies is a Reading-based deep technology company developing radio-frequency systems for structural sensing, non-terrestrial connectivity and wireless power transmission.