Nominations have opened for the first-ever Asian Founders Awards, with Leicester set to host the national ceremony later this year.
The awards are the latest step in a UK-wide programme led by Barclays Eagle Labs and De Montfort University (DMU), aimed at supporting and connecting Asian entrepreneurs.
Picture credit: DMU
Launched in 2023, the Asian Founders network now supports more than 1,000 founders across 10 UK cities, offering events, investor access and business support.
A flagship ceremony will take place in Leicester on September 11, bringing together more than 300 founders, investors and policymakers.
Awards will be handed out across nine categories, including Rising Star, Disruptor, Asian Entrepreneur of the Year and Tech Excellence.
Organisers say the awards aim to boost visibility for Asian-led businesses and help founders access investment and new opportunities.
Research by DMU in 2025 found Asian-owned businesses contribute an estimated £25 billion to the UK economy, but still face barriers such as limited access to finance and underrepresentation in investment networks.
Poonam Sharma, of Barclays Eagle Labs Leicester, said the awards would “recognise success, raise visibility and open doors to new opportunities”.
Helen Donnellan, director of research, business and innovation at DMU, said they are designed to both celebrate achievement and connect founders with “real opportunities for growth”.
Nominations close on June 1, with finalists due to be announced later this summer.
