The grand finale of the North East ATHENA LABS Growth and Funding Programme, in conjunction with the UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing’s Internet of Caring Things® (IoCT™) and Lifted Ventures, will take place on Tuesday 3 February 2026, bringing together investors, ecosystem partners and entrepreneurs to witness the next wave of high-growth, women-led ventures emerging from the North East.
Fourteen exceptional female founders will take to the stage to pitch their innovative businesses to a panel of real investors. From cutting-edge technology to purpose-led brands, these ventures are creating lasting impact on people’s lives. This showcase is a celebration of the remarkable progress these women have made during the 12-week ATHENA LABS Growth and Funding programme.
The ATHENA LABS Growth and Funding programme, commissioned by the Internet of Caring Things® (IoCT™) and the UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA), is designed to support female founders innovating at the intersection of health, wellbeing, technology and social impact. Over the course of the three-month programme, participants refine their business models, build investor-ready confidence and connect to a thriving community of funders, advisors, and like-minded female founders.
“Supporting women-led businesses in sectors that touch everyday life and wellbeing is at the heart of what we do at NICA and The Internet of Caring Things® Programme,” said Professor Lynne Corner, Deputy Director of the UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing.
“Female Founder Demo Day is the culmination of this programme, where these pioneering founders showcase solutions that will transform how people connect, care, and live well. We’re proud to support them as they scale with purpose.”
Jordan Dargue, co-founder of Lifted Ventures added: “The Athena Labs Growth and Funding programme is all about unlocking potential in the region. The energy and innovation these founders bring is phenomenal, and Female Founder Demo Day is the perfect stage to showcase the talent and impact emerging from the North East.”
Helen Oldham, co-founder of Lifted Ventures, commented: “This is a celebration of vision, perseverance and entrepreneurship. We’re thrilled to spotlight these incredible women, support them on their investment journey and inspire the next generation of female founders in the North East region.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to experience a real-life pitch event, network with investors and ecosystem partners, and discover how Lifted Ventures can support their businesses. The event will also include a special announcement for aspiring female founders, as funding has now been secured for a second programme, which will commence March 2026.
Paula Merifield, co-founder of Triform Digital and one of 14 female founders on the programme said: “I joined the programme to get investor-ready and learn how to navigate our fundraising journey. The programme has done exactly that. I’m feeling so much more confident and ready to pitch my business to investors in February.”
Female Founder Demo Day will take place at The Catalyst Newcastle Helix on Tuesday 3 February, 10.30am. Tickets are limited and early registration is encouraged. Visit www.tinyurl.com/NEdemoday
Lifted Ventures is proudly supported in part by the British Business Bank as part of a programme to support and accelerate the development of female-led angel syndicates across the UK.