The inaugural Women in Innovation programme was launched in 2016 after research revealed that only one in seven applications for Innovate UK funding came from women.
As a result, Innovate UK ran its first women-only competition, which provided 15 female-led businesses with mentoring and £50,000 funding each.
Launching later this year, the second phase of the programme will include a funding competition and a support package to promote more female-led innovation.
- 62% of financial firms have supported female career progression
- Almost half of UK financial services staff covered by Women in Finance Charter
- Women's financial advice firm acquired
Innovate UK will also run quarterly innovation accelerator workshops and review its existing programmes to strengthen how it promotes and inspires diversity.
The competition will seek ideas that address AI and the data economy, clean growth, the future of mobility and the ageing society.
Dr Ruth McKernan CBE, chief executive at Innovate UK, said: “It is fantastic that more women are coming to us for innovation funding and support, but we need to go further.
“Our 2018 Women in Innovation programme is designed to help many more women achieve their business ambitions, drive UK growth and productivity, and harness the full talent pool.”
Since the programme launched, female registrations for Innovate UK support has increased from 14% to 24%.
Leave a comment