In 2024, the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme launched three interconnected pilot programs—Engage, Evolve, and Exchange—to support women researchers in Ireland and Northern Ireland on the path from academia to entrepreneurship.
Developed using Alinea’s pioneering framework for commercializing research, each program focused on a distinct phase of the entrepreneurial journey: Engage (ideation), Evolve (pre-accelerator), and Exchange (network development). These initiatives sought to bridge the significant gap in female-led academic spinouts by offering tailored, female-focused entrepreneurial training.
Strong Demand and Positive Impact
All three programs were oversubscribed, with participant numbers far exceeding available capacity. Attendees included Master’s students, PhD candidates, postdoctoral fellows, principal investigators, assistant professors, and professors.
During the pilot phase, 178 women researchers from 26 Research Performing Organizations (RPOs) participated. Collectively, they received over 2,650 hours of training and mentorship.
Participants reported gaining practical skills in market research, business modelling, and pitching. Many moved forward by applying for feasibility and commercialization funding and submitting proof-of-concept proposals. These outcomes confirmed the program’s success in advancing women along the spinout pipeline.
“The Engage program has been insightful and empowering, both professionally and personally, particularly as a researcher, professional and woman. It provided an invaluable opportunity to reflect, focus, expand my network, and gain a deeper understanding of the commercialization process. As a woman in research, I now feel confident to advance my work to the next level.”
What Worked Well
Several elements of the programs were especially effective:
- Well-structured weekly sessions blending theory and practice.
- One-on-one mentoring tailored to each participant’s project.
- Guest speakers and role models, many of whom were successful women entrepreneurs, provided practical insight and encouragement.
Participants appreciated the hands-on, step-by-step approach, such as gradually building a pitch deck, and valued the balance between structured instruction and personalized feedback.
“Evolve is the catalyst to propel any researcher forward in transforming their research for commercial application. You have the opportunity to learn and upskill across relevant areas of commercialization in an expert-guided and supported environment. The mixture of theoretical and practical content, weekly goal-directed output, as well as the opportunity to hear the incredible stories of researchers more advanced in their entrepreneurial journeys, means that I leave the program far more equipped to pursue technological transfer than I entered.”
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
Despite their successes, the pilots also highlighted areas for refinement:
- Academic scheduling conflicts – Launching the programs during busy academic periods affected participation potential.
- Time pressure – The multi-week formats were intense. Many participants found it challenging to balance program demands with their day-to-day academic responsibilities.
- Diverse experience levels – Some participants found the content to be either too advanced or too basic, depending on their level of experience.
Curriculum and Support Additions
Participants recommended expanding program content to cover:
- Funding strategies – More details on how to apply for grants, work with investors, and understand funding stages.
- Leadership and management – Training in building teams, leading startups, and navigating bias.
- Pre-program primers – Optional introductory modules to help beginners build baseline knowledge in business concepts.
Mentorship and Peer Learning
Mentorship played a crucial role in the participants’ development. Weekly one-on-one sessions helped tailor the content to individual projects and fostered accountability. Participants often credited their mentors with assisting them to stay motivated and overcome challenges.
“Having a mentor who understood my project and goals made all the difference — our weekly sessions kept me focused, pushed my thinking, and gave me the confidence to keep going, even when things got tough.”
Equally valuable was the cohort-based learning. Participants frequently stated that they learned from each other’s questions and felt less isolated in their entrepreneurial journey. Many had never met another woman researcher pursuing a startup before.
The Exchange program helped formalize this peer network by offering alumni events, masterclasses, and community-building sessions. Participants suggested this network could be strengthened further through alum platforms and ongoing events, ensuring long-term engagement.
Creating a Supportive, Inclusive Culture
The all-women format was a standout feature. Participants said it created a safe, judgment-free environment where they could be vulnerable, ask questions, and openly share their challenges. This helped combat impostor syndrome and build confidence.
However, participants noted that the programs should remain mindful of different life stages and responsibilities. Program content should be inclusive, realistic, and respectful of diverse circumstances and experiences.
“Being surrounded by other women who understood the unique challenges we face made me feel seen and supported — it was the first time I felt I didn’t have to prove I belonged in the room.”
Long-Term Support and Alumni Engagement
Researchers made it clear: support shouldn’t end when the program does. Recommendations included:
- Building a structured alum network, including online forums, meetups, newsletters, and showcase events.
- Tracking alum progress (e.g., through surveys) to measure impact and offer targeted follow-up.
- Recognizing participants publicly through awards or profiles to raise visibility and boost confidence.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
The Engage, Evolve, and Exchange pilot programs have demonstrated that with the proper support, structure, and community, women researchers can successfully transition into entrepreneurship. More than just building skills, these initiatives sparked a decisive shift in identity—from academic to innovator—while also cultivating a vibrant, cross-border peer network across the island of Ireland.
The long-term vision is ambitious and inspiring: to empower the next generation of women-led startups and transform the research-to-enterprise ecosystem across the island of Ireland. Building on the success of the initial pilot, a significant next step is now underway, with significant funding secured to expand the initiative and deliver the programs over the next three years.
