Athena Opens Applications for second cohort to support North East Female Founders

Cohort 1

Following the success of its first programme, ATHENA LABS has opened applications for Cohort 2 of its Growth and Funding Programme, offering ambitious female founders across the North East the chance to accelerate their business growth and get investment ready.

Delivered in partnership with the UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing’s Internet of Caring Things® (IoCT™) and Lifted Ventures, the second cohort will begin in March 2026. Applications close on Thursday 27 February 2026.

The ATHENA LABS Growth and Funding Programme is designed to support women-led businesses operating at the intersection of health, wellbeing, technology and social impact. Over 12 weeks, founders will receive tailored support to refine their business models, strengthen their investment proposition and build confidence when engaging with funders.

The first cohort culminated in a high-profile Female Founder Demo Day in Newcastle, where 10 female founders pitched to real investors and showcased the strength of women-led innovation in the region.

Professor Lynne Corner, Deputy Director of the UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing, 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.”

Jordan Dargue, Co-founder of Lifted Ventures, 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, commented: “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.”

The programme is open to female founders based in the North East, who are building scalable businesses and are ready to focus on growth and funding. Successful applicants will benefit from expert-led workshops, investor insight, peer support and access to a growing regional and national network of female founders.

Applications close on Thursday 27 February 2026, with the programme commencing in March 2026.

For more information and to apply, visit:www.liftedventures.co.uk/athena-labs-nica-cohort-2-starting-march-2026/

Lifted Ventures is proudly supported in part by the British Business Bank as part of a programme to support and accelerate the development of female-led angel syndicates across the UK.