Swansea University has announced the winners of a ground-breaking programme to nurture and support a new generation of female entrepreneurs.
The University is among the first partner members of the WE Innovate National network, launched by Imperial College London as part of a national effort to address gender inequality in entrepreneurship and unlock the full potential of female founders.
The first cohort selected for Swansea’s WE Innovate National programme has spent the past six months receiving expert mentoring and tailored business training to help further their business ideas.
The programme’s grand final brought together students, staff, industry leaders and investors to hear the finalists pitch for a share of a £30,000 prize pot, donated by Swansea University alumna and fintech entrepreneur Anne Boden MBE, founder of Starling Bank.
The winners were:
- First Prize (£15,000) – Biomechanical engineering doctoral candidate Sahar Sattar, founder of DAWN, a range of surgical training to enhance Delivering Advanced Women’s health and Neo Natal;
- Runner-Up (£7,500) – 2024 graduates Srushti Mande and Anusha Suresh, XR for the Green Economy, an immersive learning platform to deliver tailored industry compliant training for renewable energy workers;
- Third Prize (£5,000) – Medical Management master’s student Ruchi Dutta, Health Bridge, a platform providing packages for UK residents who travel overseas for surgery to help minimise complications and strain on the NHS;
- Fourth Prize (£2,500) – Materials and metal coatings engineering doctoral candidate Anna Voytyukova who is investigating greener methods of removing paint on used metals to aid recycling; and,
- Audience Pitch Winner (£1,000) – Sabriya Hussain, a biomedical doctoral engineering candidate who made it to Phase 2 of the programme, for her idea of a non-invasive pacemaker charger.
Sahar said: “Winning means so much to me. Over the past six months this programme has transformed not only my business, but also my confidence as a founder. The support, mentorship and opportunities I’ve received have been incredible, and this funding will allow me to take DAWN to the next stage of development and make a real impact.”
Pro-Vice Chancellor for Education Professor Deborah Youngs said: “This final is the culmination of six months of courage, growth, challenge, and transformation. We have witnessed innovation in action. The impact of this cohort will extend far beyond the final.”
The judging panel, which featured leaders in innovation, academia, and entrepreneurship, highlighted the exceptional quality and diversity of the ventures presented.
WE Innovate National Lead and Innovation Manager at Imperial College London Nadia Ahrazem said: “It’s incredibly exciting to see Swansea’s first cohort deliver such a strong and confident showcase. This event demonstrated exactly why this work matters – these women are building the future.”
Swansea University Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise, Knowledge Exchange & Partnerships Professor Peter Dunstanadded: “Programmes like this are central to our mission to unlock talent and create meaningful impact. These founders are the future of entrepreneurship, and we are incredibly proud to support them as they take their next steps.”
The University has now pledged to support the cohort as they continue to grow their ventures.
