Support for women researchers with WeVenture

Supportive, structured guidance to help women researchers explore and grow the commercial potential of their work.

InterTradeIreland has launched the WeVenture programme, which aims to strengthen the pipeline of women progressing from academic research into innovation-led business activity.

WeVenture is open to women researchers at all academic career stages, it will equip participants with the skills, knowledge and confidence required to progress their research ideas towards commercialisation, and provide access to industry, and investor networks, expert-led training and tailored mentoring.

Participants will benefit from structured guidance and support aligned to their stage of readiness, across three strands:

• Capability Building - enhancing professional development and progressively developing confidence, mindset and skills (open from May 2026).
• Ideation - developing your concept with practical guidance, meeting role models, and gaining the confidence to take the next steps toward building a venture (open from June 2026).
• Pre-Commercialisation - supportive expert guidance, connecting with peers, and building the confidence and skills needed to prepare for market engagement and investment (open from June 2026).

Find out more about the WeVenture programme.

The programme is run in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland as part of the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, funded by the Government of Ireland, and is delivered by Alinea.

WeVenture: Capability Building

The first strand, Capability Building, is open. Its masterclass series, WeVenture: Ideas and Opportunities, will start in May 2026.

These masterclasses will aim to define and strengthen the core competences that turn ideas into value through innovation and enterprise - spotting opportunities, sparking creativity, shaping a clear vision, valuing ideas, and applying ethical, sustainable thinking.

Apply for the WeVenture: Capability Building (Ideas and Opportunities).

The closing date is midday on Thursday 16 April 2026. Please note that applications are on a first-come, first-served basis, so the closing date may be sooner.

First published 30 March 2026