TechFounderHer Launches Innovation Labs
Aer you a woman entrepreneur working on a tech product or service? The TechFoundHer Innovation Labs programme is here to help!
This unique 2 month long programme – with limited places available – is designed to accelerate your progress developing a tech solution! Let’s fast track your startup’s progress by focussing on your tech innovation.
The AI revolution that’s underway means that being a non-techie doesn’t need to hold your back! Build your tech competence and product skills so you’re ready to level up your business.
Who Should Apply?
- Women who have identified an opportunity for a technical solution to build or grow their business
- They have researched their market, business planning, and user needs and/or some proof of concept level development completed
- Women with ambition to solve a big, ambitious problem with global impact
- As a minimum applicants have developed a basic prototype or wireframe of their product
Programme Format
- 3 in person lab /workshop sessions that will alternate between Dublin and Belfast
- Regular peer Founder Circles with smaller groups of 5-6 participants, designed to foster cross collaboration, feedback and support
- 3 online webinars introducing key topics presented by innovation and tech leaders
- Regular office hours (Ask Me Anything sessions) with mentoring from industry professionals mentors to support tech tool demos and troubleshooting
- Online social platform to connect with peers and mentors for live chats, connecting, learning and sharing
- Wrap session and Innovation Showcase(s)
Takeaways
Have the know-how (tools, network and confidence) to lead tech product development (busting the narrative that the only route available for them to progress tech is finding a technical co-founder).
- Be inspired to level up your ambition – bigger problems, faster progress, global markets, deeper tech solutions
- Advance the technology readiness of your product or service and in turn your investor/funder readiness
- Use Gen AI tools that deliver efficiencies but also fast track product progress
- Join a supportive all island learning network designed to encourage cross collaboration
Why Join Innovation Labs?
Women remain significantly underrepresented in the tech sector. With only 20% of computer science graduates being female, many women entrepreneurs face challenges when trying to lead tech-driven businesses.
“Many women entrepreneurs have tech-driven ambitions but lack the technical know-how to bring their ideas to life. The Innovation Labs 1 aim to bridge that gap by offering the skills and confidence needed to lead tech product development and innovation, without a coding background.”
Mairin Murray, founder of TechFoundHer
TechFoundHer Innovation Labs aims to bridge that gap by offering women founders the skills and confidence needed to lead tech product development, without requiring a technical background.
Key Info:
The programme is designed and delivered in collaboration with tech leaders, global experts in innovation and women founders.
It is funded through InterTradeIreland (in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland) under the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme.
Only 35 places are available for women entrepreneurs and a competitive application process is in place. We encourage you apply as soon as possible.
The programme takes place from mid October to early December 2024
Benefits
- Hands-On Labs: Three half-day sessions held in Belfast and Dublin, offering you the chance to work on real challenges using practical tech tools.
- Introduction to AI Tools: Learn how to apply the latest AI-driven tools for market research, customer insights, and business efficiencies.
- Webinars and Office Hours: Engage with leaders in the tech and business sectors through webinars exploring innovation tools and use cases.
- Founder Circles: Build connections with a supportive network of like-minded women founders who share your ambition.
How to Apply
Applications for the Innovation Labs are now open! Places are limited to 35 participants, divided between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, so early submission of your Expression of Interest is encouraged.
The programme will kick off with an online webinar in October 2024 and will run until December 2024. This is a no-cost programme; however, participants will need to cover their own travel costs to attend the in-person labs.To express your interest in joining the TechFoundHer Innovation Labs, fill out the simple application form by 7th October 2024. We’ll review applications on a rolling basis, and acceptances will be sent out by 11th October 2024.
