Athena Labs opens founder applications

A North East business support programme is reopening applications to help female entrepreneurs accelerate growth and secure investment.

ATHENA LABS has launched Cohort 2 of its Growth and Funding Programme, aimed at women-led businesses working across health, wellbeing, technology and social impact. 

Delivered with the UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing’s Internet of Caring Things® and Lifted Ventures, the 12-week scheme begins in March 2026.

Participants will receive tailored mentoring, investor insight and peer support to strengthen business models and refine funding strategies. 

Professor Lynne Corner, deputy director of the UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing, which is based at The Catalyst Building, in the Newcastle Helix innovation district, said: “Supporting female founders to scale innovative solutions that improve lives is central to our mission. 

“The success of the first cohort has shown the depth of talent in the North East, and we are excited to welcome a new group of female founders into the programme.”

The first cohort culminated in a Demo Day in Newcastle, where ten founders pitched to investors.

Jordan Dargue, co-founder of Lifted Ventures, which is supported in part by the British Business Bank, added: ‘’The response to Cohort 1 was outstanding. 

“It showcased bold ideas, exemplary leadership, and significant potential. 

“Cohort 2 represents a further opportunity to unlock that promise by equipping female founders in the North East with the tools, networks and confidence necessary to secure investment and drive growth’’

Helen Oldham, co-founder of Lifted Ventures, added: “This programme is about more than funding. 

“It’s about building a supportive community, sharing knowledge and helping women founders take the next big step in their journey. 

“We’re thrilled to open applications for Cohort 2.”

Applications close on February 27, with the programme open to scalable businesses based in the North East.

For more information and to apply, see here.

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