WeVenture - FAQs

WeVenture is a suite of funded programmes designed to support women researchers in exploring, developing and commercialising research-led ideas. It provides structured learning, expert mentoring and a supportive peer community to help participants build confidence, capability and real-world impact.

Research highlights that women researchers often face barriers in commercialisation, including:

• Smaller professional networks
• Limited access to mentors and decision-makers
• Lower representation in STEM and high-growth sectors
• Workload and time pressures
• Confidence-related challenges and societal expectations

WeVenture has been designed to actively address these barriers through tailored support and targeted programme interventions.

The programme seeks to increase both the number and success of women researchers commercialising their research and developing sustainable ventures. It seeks to help transform research excellence into entrepreneurial and commercial opportunities.

WeVenture is open to women in research across all disciplines and sectors, including postgraduate researchers, postdoctoral researchers, academic staff and research leaders.

For Pre-Commercialisation, teams are also eligible, provided at least one founder or co-founder is a woman researcher.

Applicants must be based on the island of Ireland and affiliated with a recognised research institution. Full eligibility details are outlined on each programme page.

Yes. WeVenture is an all-island initiative open to eligible participants across both Northern Ireland and Ireland.

The WeVenture suite is designed to support you at different stages:

• Capability Building: If you want to strengthen your skills, confidence, entrepreneurial mindset, and networks to enhance your innovation potential.
• Ideation: If you want to identify, shape, and validate ideas from your research.
• Pre-Commercialisation: If you want to refine and test promising ideas and prepare them for commercialisation supports, or investment readiness.

If you are unsure, reach out via our enquiry form and the team will support you in finding the best fit.

Capability Building is a flexible strand of WeVenture, focused on developing core entrepreneurial competences through three masterclass series:

• Ideas and Opportunities
• Resources
• Into Action

You can complete these in any order, depending on availability. Places for Capability Building programmes are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

You can only participate in one WeVenture programme at a time. You should choose the programme that best matches your current stage, whether that is early exploration, idea development or preparing for commercialisation.

Participants can apply for additional WeVenture programmes upon completion of any of the other programmes.

All WeVenture programmes are funded through the Government of Ireland’s Shared Island Enterprise Scheme meaning there is no cost to participate.

Delivery varies across the WeVenture programmes:

• Capability Building (Ideas and Opportunities, Resources, Into Action): Fully online
• Ideation: Primarily online, with a final in-person session
• Pre-Commercialisation: Delivered through a hybrid model, combining online and in-person activity

Full delivery details are outlined on each programme page.

You will be supported in identifying your next steps, which may include:

• Progressing to another WeVenture programme
• Applying for commercialisation supports or accelerators
• Continuing to develop your research impact within academia or industry

The programme team and delivery partner will support participants in identifying suitable pathways.

No. WeVenture is designed as a flexible, non-linear programme. Participants can enter at different stages depending on their needs, experience and readiness.

WeVenture is led by InterTradeIreland in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, and delivered through the Alinea Framework. It is part of the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, funded by the Government of Ireland.