New Programme Supporting Women Researchers into Commercialisation Launches

 A new programme designed to support women researchers across the island of Ireland to explore the commercial potential of their research has officially launched and is now open for applications. Pictured (L-R) are Anne Lanigan, Enterprise Ireland; Aisling King, Alinea; Elaine Patterson, InterTradeIreland and Mary Gormley, Invest Northern Ireland. 

A new programme designed to support women researchers across the island of Ireland to explore the commercial potential of their research has officially launched and is now open for applications. 

The all-island WeVenture programme, launched by InterTradeIreland in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland as part of the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, funded by the Government of Ireland, aims to strengthen the pipeline of women progressing from academic research into innovation-led business activity. Delivered by Alinea, and 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, including exploratory capability building; ideation and early-stage development; and pre-commercialisation for those actively developing a research-based business.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke spoke about the new programme saying, “Utilising strong research to strengthen businesses is essential if we are to maximise the impact of Ireland’s investment in innovation. WeVenture will support more women researchers to consider entrepreneurship and provide them with the tools, networks and confidence needed to develop their ideas into viable ventures.

“Through collaboration between InterTradeIreland, Enterprise Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland, this programme will help build a stronger pipeline of women founders and support the creation of innovative, knowledge-based businesses.” 

Minister for the Economy, Dr Caoimhe Archibald said, “Researchers across our universities are generating innovative work with the potential to shape future industries, and it is important that we continue to support greater investment in this area. Initiatives such as the WeVenture programme are important in helping researchers explore the commercial potential of their ideas and understand the pathways from research to real-world impact. 

“By supporting more women to take those first steps towards commercialisation, the programme will help strengthen our innovative ecosystem and ensure that the full breadth of research talent across the island is contributing to economic growth.”

Elaine Patterson, Assistant Director of Entrepreneurship at InterTradeIreland, said: "University researchers across the island of Ireland are producing world-class research with significant commercial potential, which was clearly evident during our women's entrepreneurship pilot programmes, where we experienced first-hand the wealth of talent and untapped potential that is out there. With WeVenture, we wanted to ensure that women at all stages of their commercialisation journey were supported, which is why the programme has a pathway of support from awareness, right through to those actively seeking to turn their research into viable businesses across the island.

"WeVenture is a fantastic opportunity for researchers to explore how their work can translate into real-world applications, products and businesses; expand their network within various sectors, and collaborate across the island. We look forward to working with Alinea to deliver the programme for this underdeveloped segment of women entrepreneurs."

Helen Fullen, CEO at Alinea, said: “Alinea is delighted to bring our pioneering commercialisation framework to the WeVenture programme, helping women researchers turn ideas into real-world impact with the tools, structure and confidence they need.

“We commend the project partners for their visionary leadership in creating a truly unique support system tailored specifically for women in research, one that recognises both the opportunities and barriers that exist, and actively works to address them. By combining evidence-based training with strong ecosystem collaboration, WeVenture represents a significant step forward in unlocking the full commercial potential of women-led research across the island.”  

Mary Gormley, Head of Entrepreneurship at Invest Northern Ireland said: “We’re committed to ensuring that more women can confidently progress their research ideas into innovative, globally competitive businesses. WeVenture creates a strong pathway for researchers to build the skills and networks they need to turn academic ideas into commercial opportunities. By working in partnership across the island, we’re helping to unlock new innovation, strengthen our entrepreneurial ecosystem and drive long‑term economic growth.”

Anne Lanigan, Head of Local Enterprise and Regions at Enterprise Ireland said, “Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting Irish-owned companies to start, grow, compete and scale, and a key objective of our five-year strategy is to support 1,000 new startups by 2030. Championing women-led, owned and founded businesses is an important part of this ambition. Our work with ecosystem partners throughout the island of Ireland to deliver programmes such as WeBuild, WeGrow and WeScale under the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, directly supports women entrepreneurs with the skills, networks and funding routes they need to scale. We look forward to welcoming a new cohort of would-be female founders to support them to translate their research into innovative and commercially viable products, services and companies through the WeVenture programme.”

The first capability building masterclass series, WeVenture: Ideas and Opportunities is now open for applications and is due to commence in May. For more information or to apply, visit: https://intertradeireland.com/weventure-ideas-and-opportunities.

WeVenture is supported by the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme funded by the Government of Ireland. It is the fourth programme to be launched as part of the Women’s Entrepreneurship suite of programmes following the launch of WeScale, WeGrow and WeBuild in November 2025.

Ends

For further information contact

Sarah Dunne - 085 853 5647 / sarah@communicationsclinic.ie

Beth Molloy - 086 832 2408 / beth@communicationsclinic.ie
 

Editor's Notes

About InterTradeIreland

InterTradeIreland accelerates trade and economic growth by connecting business to new opportunities across the island of Ireland.

Since opening its doors in 1999, the organisation has supported the growth of cross-border trade from €2 billion to €15 billion, empowering companies to scale, innovate, and succeed — with many now competing successfully on the global stage. 

Established under Strand 2 of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement, the organisation is driven by the principle of value through collaboration. Funded by both the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and the Department for the Economy, InterTradeIreland is uniquely positioned to lead all-island economic collaboration to drive trade, boost competitiveness and productivity and accelerate enterprise growth to maximise economic opportunities and prosperity.

To date it has directly assisted more than 61,000 businesses across the island, with thousands more SMEs benefitting from its specialist advice, as well as generating more than €1.95bn / £1.7 billion in business development value.

About Invest Northern Ireland

https://www.investni.com/about-us
 

About Enterprise Ireland

https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/about-enterprise-ireland 

About the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme

In February 2024 the Government of Ireland announced an allocation of €30m from the Shared Island Fund towards the establishment of a new Shared Island Enterprise Scheme developed by InterTradeIreland, Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. The scheme is supporting the delivery of new programmes and supports for businesses across the island of Ireland in the areas of Women’s Entrepreneurship, Clustering and Sustainable Enterprise. The Shared Island Enterprise Scheme marks a new phase in all-island economic collaboration and business growth and the first time that three of the main economic development agencies on the island of Ireland have worked together on a shared scheme of this size. Find out more here: https://intertradeireland.com/news/collaboration-at-the-fore-of-30m-shared-island-enterprise-scheme.

About Delivery Partner

Alinea is a leading provider of entrepreneurship training and venture development, with specialist expertise in the commercialisation of research and in advancing women entrepreneurs. Recognised for its innovative framework, the organisation delivers robust programmes that transform ideas into globally scalable businesses and compelling investment opportunities. Alinea works closely with clients and partners to streamline the start-up journey, build capability, and support diverse founders in creating ventures that grow and succeed. 

https://www.alinea.ie