Introducing the Women in Innovation Community Forum

Bridget Greenwood runs The200BnClub, a UK-based accelerator supporting high-potential female founders to secure investment and scale their businesses. Bridget says:

We want to help shift the system to better recognise high-potential founders—closing the funding gap, driving local job creation and GDP growth, and funding credible solutions to real-world problems.

Helen Oldham is co-founder of Lifted Ventures, an organisation formed to increase the flow of capital to early stage, regional female founders. Helen comments:

I’ve joined Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation Community Forum to help demystify the grant application process, and consider how grant funding can help increase the capacity of women angel investors in the UK.

Lorraine Acheson is Managing Director of Women in Business Northern Ireland, a charity with a 23 year history of supporting women to start and grow businesses. Lorraine states:

This forum reinforces Innovate UK’s commitment to the growth of women-led businesses and it’s vital that voices from all corners of the UK are represented.

Luciana Cristina Dos Santos is Director of Cutting Edge Analysis Ltd, working in communication AI. Luciana says:

After submitting a project last year, I recognised how valuable support and connection are throughout the process. This forum is a meaningful opportunity to help more women feel represented, supported, and empowered in innovation.

Dr Lydia Mapstone is CEO and co-founder of BoobyBiome. Her innovative start-up utilises breast milk microbiome research to improve infant gut health. Lydia comments:

I’m joining the Forum in order to challenge the structural barriers female founders face in accessing funding—because talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t.

Professor Lynne Cadenhead is Chair of Women’s Enterprise Scotland, entrepreneur and business angel investor. Lynne states:

I want to help create strategic and transformational ecosystem change, supporting women innovators with tailored support that meets their needs. It’s amazing what small groups of committed women can achieve when focused on a common goal. Let’s do this!

Maryna Kuzmenko, is CEO of Petiole – a UK-based agritech company using AI to support smart farming and plant research. Maryna comments:

We can’t solve global challenges with one-sided thinking. I joined the forum to amplify underrepresented women in agriculture, plant science, and tech; share their stories; and help co-create an inclusive future with Innovate UK.

Rebecca Gill uses immersive tech to make therapy more inclusive, joyful, and accessible for those often left behind. Rebecca says:

I joined the forum to amplify overlooked voices and champion grassroots innovation. I want to help build a system where every woman with an idea feels seen, supported, and uplifted – turning passion into progress and ideas into impact.

Reedah El-Saie is the founder of multi-award winning EdTech Gaming studio Brainspark Games, building culturally inclusive, AI-powered, Augmented-Reality educational mobile games aligned with the UK national curriculum. Reedah reflects:

I am determined to share and amplify the highs and lows of my start up journey so that it resonates with, and inspires other women and girls. Building a tribe of like-minded people is critical and this is what I hope to achieve as a forum member.

Sarah Nicolls is a pianist and founded First Light Pianos to develop a lightweight vertical grand piano. Sarah comments:

Often the only woman in the room and collaborating across disciplines, I seek shared language and values. I’ll also bring my experiences of Innovate UK, including Women in Innovation, to help develop a more inclusive innovation ecosystem.

Sonu Bubna is co-founder of Shopper.com, a platform that empowers users to share and earn from the best online deals. Sonu states:

I’m excited to join the Women in Innovation Forum to connect, collaborate, and contribute to a community driving inclusive innovation and supporting women-led ventures across the UK.

Tara Attfield-Tomes founded The 51% Club to help women scale, as well as EAST VILLAGE, an award-winning PR and personal brand agency for female-serving businesses. Tara says:

I’m dedicated to achieving gender equality in entrepreneurship. I helped found ‘Let’s Fund More Women,’ which led to improvements in the Women in Innovation Award. Now, as part of the Women in Innovation Community Forum, I’m focused on ensuring women entrepreneurs get the platform, funding, and support they need to succeed.

Valeen Oseh-Ovarah is founder of TisOva, an AI-powered platform protecting students from online fraud. Valee comments:

As a cybersecurity innovator and DEI in Tech advocate, I’m passionate about inclusive innovation. I joined the forum to amplify underrepresented voices and co-create meaningful change for women innovators across the UK innovation landscape.

Victoria Robertshaw OBE is an award-winning entrepreneur with experience spanning corporate innovation, scaling a retail business, and leading a social enterprise focused on high street regeneration and sustainability. Victoria states:

I want to help make innovation funding easier, simpler, and more accessible for women so they feel confident and supported to take their ideas forward.

Victoria Smith leads Gig Lab, technology supporting the future of grassroots live music. Victoria says:

I’m joining this forum to help create opportunities for women to reshape their industries with care, courage, and a commitment to lasting change. Winning Women in Innovation changed our trajectory; I want others to know it’s possible for them too.

Vijayalakshmi Subramani is the founder of SENDelight Gifts and TeenyWeenyVR, developing sensory tools and VR-based experiences for neurodivergent children. Vijayalakshmi comments:

I would like to be a forum member to represent women founders working in non-traditional sectors, particularly those who build tech-for-good ventures grounded in real-life needs. Innovation must uplift every child—and support the family as a whole.