JOSCAR SME Innovation Awards 2026
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Celebrating our 2026 JOSCAR SME Innovation Award Finalists
Our Judging panel, made up of representatives from BAE Systems, Ultra Maritime, Boeing, Jaltek, MBDA, Ministry of Defence, Hellios and the Duke of Richmond and Gordon picked five finalists, from their amazing submissions and pitches at the spectacular Goodwood House.
These finalists represent the very best of innovation, creativity, and forward thinking across the SME community.
We wish them the best of luck as they prepare for their live pitches - we can’t wait to see their ideas come to life and showcase the groundbreaking potential shaping the future of our industry!
Black Space Technology
Black Space Technology develops scalable, future-proofed telemedicine and telehealth solutions that help close the care gap in demanding environments.
Software-focused and hardware-agnostic, its configurable technology can be adapted to local service needs, including language localisation. The company’s solutions are used by international governmental organisations, NGOs, civilian customers and military teams operating on land, at sea and in the air.
Its product range includes Rapid-EPR, a ruggedised electronic patient record system supporting wireless vital-sign monitoring and real-time emergency management; Rapid-MCI, a platform for mass-casualty incident control and situational awareness; and Rapid-ACE, an autonomous casualty evacuation pod developed in collaboration with the Midlands Aerospace Alliance.
Through practical, deployable technology, Black Space Technology is helping clinical teams capture, share and act on vital information when and where it matters most.
TinniSoothe
TinniSoothe is a British-made, award-winning wearable sound therapy device designed to help people live more comfortably with tinnitus.
Created by founder Howard after his own experience of tinnitus, TinniSoothe makes established sound therapy easier to use consistently in everyday life. The discreet device can be worn during the day or docked beside the bed at night, delivering gentle, configurable white noise without requiring anything in or around the ears.
Registered as a Class I medical device and independently assessed by Tinnitus UK’s Scientific Advisory Board, TinniSoothe is designed to support distraction and habituation rather than promise a cure. Built by a team with personal understanding of tinnitus, the company also donates from every sale to Tinnitus UK, Combat Stress and Help Musicians.
Trafalgar Cases
With more than 60 years of British manufacturing experience, Trafalgar Cases designs and manufactures bespoke wooden packaging for shipping, export and storage.
The company creates made-to-order timber cases, crates, containers and pallet-based solutions for valuable, fragile, complex and non-standard items. Every design is tailored around the item itself, its handling requirements and the conditions it will face, helping customers reduce the risk of damage, delays and uncertainty.
Operating from Hertfordshire and supporting clients across the UK and Europe, Trafalgar Cases works with sectors including engineering, automotive, aerospace, medical, heritage, exhibitions and specialist logistics. Its practical, consultative approach ensures customers receive the right packaging solution, whether they have a clear specification or need expert advice from the outset.
GearbyBear
GearbyBear provides proactive workplace safety and lighting solutions designed to help organisations protect their people, improve visibility and create safer, more productive working environments.
Its range includes BearTOOLS safety equipment such as tool tethers, lanyards, helmet attachments, safety tags and inspection record tags, alongside Bear Safety’s innovative lighting and barrier solutions. From forklift warning systems to tailored safety products, GearbyBear helps customers address everyday workplace hazards with practical, durable solutions.
Built around safety, reliability and integrity, the company works as a trusted partner to businesses looking for high-quality products that support safer operations and meet relevant industry standards.
Thistle Systems
Thistle Systems delivers dynamic and automated storage solutions that help organisations maximise capacity, improve productivity and reduce operating costs across warehouse and production facilities.
Its results-driven approach is built around the Max the Cube® philosophy: making better use of available cubic space rather than simply increasing a facility’s footprint. From automated pallet storage and radio shuttle systems to specialist IBC storage and semi-automated picking solutions, Thistle Systems designs installations around the specific operational challenges each customer faces.
Working across sectors including defence, chemicals, food and drink, the company helps businesses transform workflow, strengthen safety and unlock greater value from their existing space.

