athena.labs: Ageing Innovation
Empowering Female Founders
Athena Labs and NICA Ageing Innovation is a new initiative designed to address one of the most persistent challenges for female founders: access to finance.
This 3-month accelerator is tailored for women building innovative businesses that align with the rapidly growing ageing and longevity sector — from health and wellbeing to smart technologies and socially impactful ventures. The programme is designed to tackle persistent barriers such as limited access to capital, underrepresentation in investment communities, and lack of bespoke funding literacy support. It offers intensive, inclusive support to help founders build investor-ready businesses.
Developed by Lifted Ventures, in collaboration with the National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA), this programme will help founders to refine their business model, build investor-ready confidence, and connect to a thriving community of funders, advisors, and like-minded entrepreneurs.
With a focus on businesses aligned to the Internet of Caring Things® — products and services designed to improve quality of life, connection, care, and purpose — the programme will give you the tools, networks and visibility you need to scale with impact.
If you’d like to find out more, please join the in-person briefing event on the 25th September 2025, by signing up using the button below where we will discuss the programme and take any questions you may have.
Programme Highlights
- A dedicated 3-month programme for up to 10 female-founded businesses
- 1:1 coaching and group-based workshops with access to finance embedded
- Introductions to angels, VCs, NEDs, and specialist advisors
- Access to Lifted Ventures’ investor network
- Peer-led pod groups and community events
- Support from professionals with real-world investment and startup leadership experience
Why apply to Athena Labs?
- Get investor-ready: Build your pitch, refine your business plan, and prepare for due diligence
- Raise your profile: Showcase your innovation to aligned investors.
- Expand your network: Meet fellow founders, funders, and ecosystem stakeholders
- Access long-term support: Join the Lifted Ventures community for continued introductions, mentoring, and opportunities
- Be seen: Help position the North East as a thriving hub for diverse innovation and female entrepreneurship
Key Dates
Applications Open | July 2025 |
Launch Event (Newcastle) | 25th September 2025 (2 hrs) |
Applications Close | 9th October 2025 |
Programme Commences | |
Workshop 1 – Evolving a Business Plan | 20th October 2025 (In person, 3 hrs) |
Workshop 2 – Accessing Funding Options | 4th November 2025 (Virtual, 1 hr) |
Workshop 3 – Financials, Legal & IP | 12th November 2025 |
Workshop 4 – Pitch Deck & Elevator Pitch | 19th November 2025 (In person, 2.5 hrs) |
Coaching – Investor Due Diligence Prep | 28th October – 4th November, TBC (Virtual, 1 hr each) |
Who Should Apply?
We’re looking for 10 female founders based in or with ties to the North East, building early-stage ventures that connect to the Ageing & Longevity sector, including but not limited to:
- Health & Wellbeing
- Smart Homes, IoT & Wearables
- Sustainable living
- Caring for pets, people, and communities
- Digital solutions for social connection or education
- Cognitive or emotional health innovation
How to Apply
Click the Apply Now button below.
- Fill out the application form with your business details.
- Submit your application before the deadline (9th October 2025).
Spaces are limited to 10 participants – don’t miss out!
Questions?
Contact us at [email protected]. We’re here to help!
Athena Labs: Ageing Innovation is delivered in partnership with the National Innovation Centre for Ageing, supported by the British Business Bank, IOCT, Newcastle University and the North East Combined Authority.
