Growth and Funding Programme
for Female Founders
Applications for Cohort 1 are now closed.
Cohort 2 applications now open...
Athena Labs, delivered by Lifted and the National Innovation Centre (NICA), is a new initiative designed to promote the significant benefits of backing women-led businesses in these important sectors.
This Growth and Funding Programme for Female Founders will give delegates the opportunity to elevate their business and growth narrative, ready for their next leap forward: highlighting the significant talent coming from the North East.
This three-month accelerator is designed for female founders innovating at the intersection of health, wellbeing, technology and social impact.
The programme will help 14 female founders to refine their business model, build investor-ready confidence, and connect to a thriving community of funders, advisors, and like-minded entrepreneurs.
From smart care solutions to purpose-driven ‘living well’ products, this programme is for founders ready to scale with purpose and with capital.
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.
Here’s what some of the founders have said about the programme so far…
Female Founder Demo Day
Tuesday 3 February 2026
The grand finale of the North East ATHENA LABS Growth and Funding Programme in conjuction with UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing‘s Internet of Caring Things® (IoCT™) and Lifted Ventures…
14 exceptional female founders will take the stage to pitch their businesses to a panel of real investors eager to discover the next wave of high-growth ventures, born in the North East. From cutting-edge technology to purpose-led brands, these ventures are creating lasting impact on people’s lives.
This showcase is more than a pitch event, it’s a celebration of the progress these women will have made whilst taking part in this 12-week accelerator.
We’ll also be marking the official launch of Cohort 2 of the programme, spotlighting the continued momentum and growing community of female founders in the North East region.
Join us for an inspiring afternoon of innovation, networking and opportunities as we shine a light the energy of women entrepreneurs in the North East.
This event is for:
- Investors
- Ecosystem partners and stakeholders
- Female founders who want to experience a real-life pitch event experience and want know more about Cohort 2 and how Lifted Ventrures can help them and their business
This event will begin at 10.30am, please arrive early for refreshements.
Tickets are limited. Reserve your spot now!
