Alinea to pilot two All-Island programmes for Women in Research to explore potential Commercialisation
In February 2024, the Irish Government announced €800 million in funding for Shared Island priorities, including €30 million for a new Shared Island Enterprise Scheme. This significant initiative, a joint effort of InterTradeIreland, Invest Northern Ireland, and Enterprise Ireland, is specifically designed to foster female entrepreneurship as one of three core strands, potentially making a substantial impact in the field.
This autumn, as part of a Feasibility Study, Alinea has been appointed to pilot two all-island programmes for women in research. The insights gained from these programmes will inform recommendations for future funding. Each programme targets a different stage of the commercialisation journey.
Engage: This nine-week online ideation programme is designed to empower women researchers to explore potential commercialisation applications for their research topics. It is custom designed for those in the early stages of their academic journey, including Master's, PhD, and Postdoc students. The programme acts as a catalyst, equipping the participants with the necessary skills for the earliest stage of business development (commencing mid-October).
Evolve: This ten-week acceleration programme supports researchers in developing the business case for their commercialisation projects. It is suitable for those planning to apply to or currently on an Enterprise Ireland Feasibility Grant or Commercialisation Grant funding. Open to individuals or teams, it requires a woman founder or co-founder. This is a hybrid programme, featuring two in-person workshops and the rest conducted online (commencing mid-October).
The 'Expression of Interest' forms for both programmes are now open, and dates will be confirmed upon completing the 'Expression of Interest' form.
- Please note: Applicants may apply to only one of the programmes.
- Both programmes are completely free of charge, and all Intellectual Property resides with the researcher or team.
Expression of Interest Forms:
- Click to complete the ENGAGE Expression of Interest form.
- Click to complete the EVOLVE Expression of Interest form.
Anyone with any questions can contact Helen Fullen directly at the email address below.
Helen Fullen