Growth and Funding Programme
for Female Founders
(Cohort 2 - starting March 2026)
Athena Labs, delivered by Lifted Ventures and the National Innovation Centre’s (NICA) Internet of Caring Things® (IoCT™) 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 up to 15 female 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 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.
Programme Highlights
- A dedicated 3-month programme for up to 15 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 | Now |
Launch Event (Newcastle) | Tuesday 3 February 2026 – register here or scroll down for more details. |
Applications Close | Friday 27 February 2026 |
The Programme | |
Workshop 1 – Evolving a Business Plan | Monday 16 March (In person, 3 hours) |
Workshop 2 – Accessing Funding Options | Monday 23 March 2026 (Virtual, 1.5 hours) |
Workshop 3 – Financials, Legal & IP | Monday 13 April 2026 (tbc) |
Workshop 4 – Pitch Deck & Elevator Pitch | Monday 20 April (In person, 3 hours) |
Coaching – Investor Due Diligence Prep | 1 hou each (virtual) between 20th April & 11th May 2026 |
Who Should Apply?
We’re looking for female founders based in, or with ties to the North East, building early-stage ventures in areas aligned 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
- Anything that supports people living better lives
How to Apply
Click the Apply Now button below.
- Fill out the application form with your business details.
- Submit your application before the deadline (Friday 27 February 2026)
Spaces are limited – don’t miss out!
Questions?
Scroll down to see our FAQ’s or contact us at [email protected]. We’re here to help.
The Athena Labs Growth and Funding Programme for Female Founders is delivered in partnership with the National Innovation Centre for Ageing, supported by the British Business Bank, IOCT and Newcastle University.
Cohort 2 launch event:
Join us for the official launch of Cohorot 2 of the ‘Growth and Funding Programme for Female Founders’ on Tuesday 3 February 2026!
The launch will take place in at The Catalyst, Newcastle City Centre at our Female Founder Demo Day, when 14 female founders from Cohort 1 will pitch their refined business ideas to real investors, and you’re invited too!
Tickets are free but spaces are limited. Reserve your spot now. Click here to register.
Date: Tuesday 3 February
Time: 10.30am – 3pm
Location: The Catalyst, Newcastle Helix
This event is for;
- Ambitious female founders based in the North East who are building businesses in anything related to ageing well, and are interested in accessing finance but unsure of the next steps.
- Connectors, mentors and ecosystem enablers who are passionate about supporting early-stage innovation through signposting, making meaningful introductions and championing regional talent.
- Angel investors, coinvestors and anyone interested in becoming an angel investor.
Frequently asked questions
I need some help completing the application, is additional support available?
Yes, please get in touch via our email address [email protected]. We are always happy to support you.
I'm not sure if I'm going to raise investment soon, should I still apply?
This is a growth support programme, so even if you’re not currently seeking funding, many of the foundational steps that attract investors will still benefit your business at this stage. Learning to articulate your growth narrative will not only help you win more customers, but also engage stakeholders and position your business as a beacon for growth.
Is there support for travel costs in the programme?
While there is no dedicated budget for travel costs in this programme, we’d like to hear from you if this is a significant barrier to your application. In some cases, we may be able to offer additional support, although we cannot guarantee this. Please get in touch via [email protected] if you have any further questions about this.
What type of businesses should apply to this programme?
Athena Labs NICA is open to female founders based in or connected to the North East, working in sectors such as Net zero, Smarter homes, Edtech, health and life sciences, ageing-well, or innovations that fit the Internet of Caring Things® ethos – solutions enhancing connection, care, purpose, and quality of life.
What is the eligibility criteria for this programme?
- Your business must be registered in the UK.
- Your business must be based in, or connected to the North East.
- The application needs to be from a woman founder or co-founder, or anyone identifying as a woman. You need to be a founder, co-founder or CEO of the business.
- Your business can be from any sector as this programme is sector agnostic – with a focus on digital, health tech, creative industries and clean tech.
- Business from ideation stage to business registered no more than 7 years prior.
- Business not in a prohibited sector (illegal drugs, etc).
- Business not currently insolvent or likely to be in the next six months.
- You need to be able to attend all workshops which are a combination of in person and virtual
I have accessibility requirements, will there be support for me on the programme?
Yes, we can support you. Please include all your requirements in your application.
Do I need to attend all the workshop sessions?
To get the most from the programme, we ask that you attend all sessions. The programme includes a mix of in-person and virtual workshops. If you foresee any difficulty attending the in-person sessions, please mention this in your application so we can discuss possible options.
Who will be delivering the programme? Who should I expect to be learning from?
Athena Labs NICA is delivered by the co-founders of Lifted Ventures – Jordan Dargue and Helen Oldham. Both Jordan and Helen are angel investors in their own right, and are experts in investment, investment readiness and programme delivery. You’ll also benefit from contributions by delivery partners with real-world startup and investment experience.
Is the programme free? And how is this funded?
Athena Labs NICA is a government backed programme, made possible through funding from UKSPF. Participants will not need to pay to participate, however this programme may require you to declare your participation in this programme as part of State Aid. To find out more please contact Sara Parker – [email protected]
What is the selection timeline?
Launch Event: Thursday, 25 September 2025
Applications Close: Midnight on 9 October 2025
Interviews: We aim to have short conversations with all applicants before applications close
Programme Begins: Workshops start from 20 October 2025
You’ll be notified whether you’ve been selected the week before the programme starts.
Is there mentoring or coaching involved?
Yes. Each founder will receive an hour of bespoke 1:1 coaching from either Jordan or Helen at Lifted Ventures. The coaching session will focus on any additional learning support, your final business plan, your growth narrative/ pitch deck, or any additional areas where you need further clarification. . Mentoring and coaching is provided alongside the group workshops.
What happens if I'm not selected?
If you’re not selected on this occasion, we’d still love to stay engaged. We’ll keep you in mind for future Lifted Ventures programmes and share alternative support options and ecosystem connections to keep your momentum going.