The programme welcomes participants from all academic disciplines, including STEM, business, and beyond, who are passionate about innovation and eager to explore entrepreneurship as a meaningful and exciting career path. It offers a safe and inclusive environment where women can test, refine, and de-risk their early-stage business ideas while building confidence and entrepreneurial capability.
WE Innovate is a six-month pre-accelerator programme running from January to June, aimed at empowering women-led teams to turn early-stage ideas into pitch-ready ventures. Since its launch in 2014, the programme has supported over 500 women entrepreneurs, helping them raise over £88 million in funding and lead high-growth ventures in sectors such as health, sustainability, and deep tech. Now expanded nationally, WE Innovate will support up to 175 women-led ventures annually across the UK, and Loughborough students and alumni are invited to be part of it.
Each year, up to 25 women-led teams are selected to take part in the WE Innovate programme. Participants benefit from expert-led masterclasses, personalised coaching, and monthly mentoring sessions, all designed to help transform early-stage ideas into viable, investor-ready ventures. Every team also receives a £500 equity-free grant to support their development.
Five standout teams will be chosen to pitch their ventures in a high-profile competition held in May, where they compete for a share of a £30,000 prize fund. In addition to the main awards, finalists may also receive legal support, leadership coaching, and special prizes. All participating teams are given the opportunity to exhibit their work and are featured in a digital profile book shared with Imperial’s investor network and the wider innovation community.
The programme is open to current students, recent alumni (within two years of graduation), and PhD researchers who are looking to spin out ventures. You don’t need a fully formed business to apply, just a bold idea and the drive to explore entrepreneurship.
The deadline to apply is 24 November 2025 at 9am.