Clare McGee, CEO & Co-Founder of AwakenHub, stated:

‘At AwakenHub, we’re dedicated to ensuring women and underrepresented founders get equitable access to investment, innovation and the opportunities that drive real productivity gains. That’s why we’re so excited to deliver Activate AI. This pilot is purpose-built to remove barriers, accelerate innovation and close productivity gaps for founders who are too often overlooked.

Today’s discussion highlights just how vital it is to build strong bridges between all businesses and the tech sector, where diverse perspectives aren’t just welcomed, they’re essential. When more voices are heard, we see better ideas, better products and better outcomes. Activate AI is here to make that a reality.’

Women entrepreneurs across the island of Ireland are invited to apply for three new programmes designed to help them grow, innovate and scale their businesses. 

Delivered as part of the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme and led by InterTradeIreland, in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, the suite of programmes, set to commence at the start of 2026, will support women entrepreneurs at every stage, from early ventures to scaling already established businesses. Participants will gain access to expert mentorship, tailored support, workshops and networking opportunities that will accelerate their business growth.  

SheScales Case Study: Julie Connelly, Founder & CEO, AIMapit

Mapping the future with a new support network

Dr Julie Connelly is the founder of AIMapit, a computer vision spin-out from Trinity College Dublin. After having the vision to create the company, Julie wanted to build on her authority and ability to lead it. Learn how through AwakenHub’s SheScale’s programme she quietened imposter syndrome, increased her confidence, and found the strategic know-how she needed to lead AIMapit into delivering paid pilots across the UK and Europe and raising her first seed round to scale operations.

SheScales Case Study: Gina Oglesby, Founder & CEO, Back to Work Connect Connecting returners with opportunity and a founder with her voice Gina Oglesby is the powerhouse behind Back to Work Connect, a talent resourcing platform unlocking the potential of midlife returners who are ready to re-enter the workforce with skills, life experience, and fresh ambition. Her platform provides data-driven, returner-friendly recruitment solutions to employers ready to deliver on diversity and inclusion with real impact. Read how AwakenHub’s SheScales programme helped her find greater confidence and clarity while scaling her business.

Investor Pitch Prep with AwakenHub

At AwakenHub, our mission is to open real pathways for founders to access capital with confidence and clarity. At our recent event Nail Your Raise: What To Know Before You Pitch, founders were given a rare, inside look at how investors assess opportunities, not just at the pitch stage but long before and well after the raise. What follows isn’t just a recap, these are the key lessons every founder should carry into their next investor conversation.

There’s something special about October — the air turns crisp, the days shorten, and with them comes a renewed drive to make things happen. After the excitement of September’s fresh beginnings, October is our month to build momentum, deepen connections, and take bold steps forward together.

AwakenHub is proud to announce it has secured UK Government funding through the £1m Regional Tech Booster programme. With this support, we are launching Activate AI – an initiative designed to empower women, minority, and rural founders in Northern Ireland to embrace artificial intelligence, increase productivity, and scale their businesses. This milestone marks a significant step towards building a more inclusive and innovative tech ecosystem across the region.