About the programme

Programme Structure

WE Innovate National is delivered regionally, celebrating the strengths of each participating university. 

Every institution leads its own cohort, programme delivery, coaching, and final showcase, creating vibrant hubs of innovation across the UK. This decentralised model is a strategic advantage, giving founders access to rich, place‑based support, strong regional networks, and entrepreneurial ecosystems that reflect local opportunities and strengths.

While delivery is rooted in each region, all universities follow the same three‑phase, six‑month structure, ensuring a consistently high‑quality experience and shared national standards across the entire WE Innovate network. The programme also runs joint events and activities across the consortium as well as with external partners, leveraging national networks and stakeholder relationships.

 

Phase 1
Foundations of Entrepreneurship

January – March

Establishing strong entrepreneurial fundamentals and building clarity around the problem, target customers, and initial business model.

Key components

  • Nine expert‑led masterclasses covering: emotional intelligence for founders, customer discovery & user research, market validation techniques, value proposition & business model creation, storytelling & pitching fundamentals, legal considerations for early‑stage ventures, fundraising basics, and leadership skills
  • Monthly 1:1 coaching sessions
  • £500 equity‑free grant for early development and additional funding for childcare support
  • Peer learning sessions within the regional cohort

Outcomes

  • Strong foundations in core entrepreneurial skills
  • Clear understanding of the problem and target audience
  • Tested early assumptions
  • A refined pitch and storytelling capability

Phase 2
Venture Development & Investment Readiness

March – May

The top 10 teams from each university progress to Phase 2, which offers deeper venture development and exposure to expert and alumni networks.

Key Components

  • Advanced masterclasses, including: financial modelling & forecasting, investment readiness & fundraising strategy, negotiation & deal terms, product development, and prototyping support.

  • Access to Experts‑in‑Residence (regional + national pool)

  • Peer mentoring from WE Innovate alumni

  • Investor feedback sessions tailored to local investment landscapes

  • Founder retreat focused on leadership, resilience, and strategic clarity

Outcomes

  • A validated business model and commercialisation strategy
  • Investor‑ready pitch deck and financial projections
  • Strengthened networks within regional and national ecosystems
  • Increased confidence in investment conversations

Phase 3
Regional Finals & Public Showcase

June

Each university hosts its own regional final and showcase, celebrating local founders and connecting them with investors, accelerators, and industry figures from their region.

Key Components

  • Regional pitch competition for a share of the university’s £30,000 prize fund
  • Public showcase where all 25 teams present their ventures
  • Inclusion in a national digital profile book circulated to partners and investors across the UK
  • Networking with local industry, regional angel groups, and national partners

Outcomes

  • Regional visibility and credibility
  • Equity‑free funding to accelerate ventures
  • A pipeline into national accelerators, follow‑on programmes, and investment opportunities.

Following the regional finals, a national Demo Day brings together teams from across all participating universities to showcase their ventures to a UK‑wide audience of investors, partners, and industry leaders

Who is it for?

WE Innovate National supports women entrepreneurs at the earliest stages of building a startup, offering practical support, expert guidance and a powerful peer network.

Students, alumni, and early career researchers

Women‑led founding teams

Developing an innovation, technology, product or service with commercial potential

Based at one of the six university partners

Working at early‑stage through proof‑of‑concept 

Ready to engage with mentors, experts and investors to accelerate their journey

Interested in applying to WE Innovate?

Find out more, including application dates,  through your participating university.

Participating universities

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Support WE Innovate National

Corporate partnership is crucial for the success of our programmes and helping us to broaden our reach. Our supporters fuel our shared mission to close the gender gap in science and business.

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Advisory Board

At the heart of WE Innovate’s bold national expansion is a powerhouse Advisory Board, comprising an exceptional group of leaders whose expertise spans venture capital, public policy, entrepreneurship, academia, and innovation.

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Participating universities

The national programme currently brings together a consortium of six universities - Imperial College London, Queen’s University Belfast, Swansea University, the University of Glasgow, Durham University, and Loughborough University.

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