Empowering Women in Business: Glasgow Partners in WE Innovate National Rollout

University-Backed Innovation Is Fueling a New Generation of Women Entrepreneurs

Recognising the growing need to empower women in business, the University of Glasgow is set to launch a new support programme for female entrepreneurs. This initiative forms part of the UK’s first university-led network for women founders, designed to foster innovation and business development across the country. It was recently announced that Glasgow, along with four other universities, will join the WE Innovate National network, an initiative aimed at supporting 150 women-led teams annually across the participating institutions. Through mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities, the programme seeks to break down barriers and create a more inclusive entrepreneurial environment.

The initiative builds upon Imperial College London’s established WE Innovate programme, a six-month competition designed for students, recent alumni, and early-career researchers. It supports women-led start-ups through masterclasses, business coaching, expert mentoring, and peer support, culminating in a competition where the top five teams share a £30,000 prize fund. Imperial invited the University of Glasgow—the only Scottish institution involved, alongside Queen’s University Belfast, Swansea University, and Durham University. The universities will work collaboratively to expand WE Innovate National, tailoring the programme to suit regional contexts and community needs.

As part of the initiative, each university will host a regional grand final, with an annual national ‘Demo Day’ rotating among them. During this event, winning teams will present their ventures to an audience of peers, investors, and industry experts. Launched by Imperial in 2014, the WE Innovate programme was created to address common challenges faced by women-led start-ups, such as limited access to funding, networks, and support. Over the past decade, it has supported more than 500 women and 250 teams, leading to the launch of over 60 start-ups, which have collectively raised over £40 million.

In parallel, the University of Glasgow has increased its support for women entrepreneurs. Earlier this year, it hosted a FemTech Hackathon under the Scottish Government’s Pathways Forward Pledge, resulting in five new women-led business ideas. Professor Mary Ryan, Vice-Provost for Research and Enterprise at Imperial, highlighted that WE Innovate demonstrates the transformative effect of targeted support, helping women-led ventures build confidence, strengthen capabilities, and generate real-world impact. She expressed enthusiasm for expanding the network and noted that collaboration with other universities would widen access to essential support systems, including mentoring, funding, and peer networks, that are vital for inclusive innovation and sustainable growth.

Echoing this sentiment, Dame Alison Rose, author of the UK Government’s Rose Review, underlined the proven economic potential of female entrepreneurs and the importance of ensuring access to the networks and resources necessary to drive their growth. She cited WE Innovate as a prime example of the collaboration needed to build successful women-led ventures. Uzma Khan, Vice-Principal for Economic Development and Innovation at the University of Glasgow, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting all aspiring entrepreneurs while emphasising the need to create targeted opportunities for women founders. She expressed pride in Glasgow’s participation in the WE Innovate National rollout, calling it a significant step in helping women develop and scale successful businesses. The WE Innovate National programme represents a vital collaboration among leading UK universities to support and empower the next generation of women entrepreneurs.

Editor’s Note:

The ongoing challenge of gender inequality significantly hinders access to opportunities, making initiatives like WE Innovate National vital for rectifying the skewed entrepreneurial ecosystem. These programs transcend mere support systems; they act as essential measures to balance a landscape unfairly weighted against women. The participation of the University of Glasgow, together with other prominent establishments, reflects a crucial change in how higher education is working to create equal opportunities for women in the business world.
Women-led businesses encounter well-known challenges, including funding shortages and restricted networking opportunities. However, WE Innovate undeniably demonstrates that providing women with appropriate resources, guidance, and community results not just in success, but in pioneering leadership and transformation of established norms. The raising of over £40 million by program graduates is not only noteworthy, but also questions long-standing systems that have consistently disregarded women's abilities.

According to Skoobuzz, Universities should avoid simply viewing these initiatives as symbolic gestures. Ongoing dedication, local customisation, and real investment are crucial. It's imperative that the innovation sector fully represent the diverse talent pool, and programs like WE Innovate National provide a model for achieving this.