INSIGHTS / News

SETsquared and the University of Southampton Science Park have celebrated the completion of the women-only cohort of the 2026 Entrepreneurs Workout programme, helping early-stage founders and innovators refine their ideas, strengthen their business models and explore the next steps for their ventures.

Delivered through two fully funded cohorts, the programme includes the recently completed women-only cohort alongside an additional open cohort for all founders, which is scheduled to take place in July. Together, the two-day intensive workshops bring entrepreneurs working across science, technology and digital sectors to challenge assumptions, better understand customer needs and build stronger foundations for growth.

Using the Strategyzer Business Model Canvas framework, participants explored key areas of venture development, including value proposition, customer segments, routes to market and revenue models. The programme combined practical workshops, peer learning, pitch development and expert mentoring, enabling founders to test their thinking and gain valuable feedback from experienced entrepreneurs and industry specialists.

The women-only cohort created a dedicated environment for female founders developing ambitious businesses in sectors where women remain underrepresented. Bringing together founders from a range of backgrounds, the cohort encouraged collaboration, shared learning and open conversations around the challenges and opportunities involved in building innovation-led businesses, with ventures spanning SaaS platforms for resource and project management, AI consultancy and implementation services, cybersecurity education and resilience training, digital women’s health tools, and sustainable coastal food and lifestyle businesses.

One participant, Cherish Boxall, Founder at Engage Intelligently, said: “The programme has helped me find clarity on the steps and direction I need to take with my business. When you start a company, there are lots of ideas and things can become scattered, so it can be difficult to find a clear path forward. This programme has helped me focus on what I need to do first.”

Sophia Chelminski-Popiel, Founder at Myth, commented: “I really valued the mentorship available through this workshop. It was fantastic connecting with such an inspiring group of female founders and having the opportunity to challenge and strengthen our business models.”

While women now represent around one in three UK entrepreneurs, there remains a significant opportunity to support more women in developing and scaling high-growth ventures. Research suggests that closing the gender gap in entrepreneurship could unlock hundreds of billions in additional economic value, highlighting the importance of initiatives that improve access to skills, networks and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Nicola Harrington, Founder at Folded, explained: “Being part of a women-only cohort created a real sense of camaraderie and understanding between founders who are at a similar stage. There was a supportive environment where people could share ideas, give feedback and learn from each other.”

Mentors played a key role throughout the programme, challenging participants to consider different perspectives, strengthen their propositions and think more strategically about their routes to market.

Stephen Mayers, SETsquared Mentor, reflected: “What we really enjoyed about this cohort was their ability to communicate and support one another. They were a great source of moral support for each other throughout the programme. They even set up their own WhatsApp group, and it was really clear they were offering each other valuable feedback and encouragement. They were all in a similar position and moving forward together, which created a really positive and collaborative environment.”

Lucinda Lamont, Business Development Director at the University of Southampton Science Park, added: “Programmes like this are essential for early-stage founders because they may not always have the confidence to develop the idea they have. Without access to structured programmes, founders can struggle to assess the potential of their ideas and identify the right next steps. Having access to guidance and support around them reassures them that, by working through the right steps and building their understanding, they can develop their ideas, commercialise them and turn them into successful businesses.”

The Entrepreneurs Workout is part of a wider commitment from SETsquared and the University of Southampton Science Park to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem across the Solent region and help innovation-led businesses build the foundations for future growth.

Following the programme, participants can continue to access further support opportunities, including pathways into the Catalyst programme, which helps ambitious, high-growth businesses develop and scale.

Applications for the Catalyst programme are now open and close at the end of June. Early-stage founders and scaling ventures interested in accelerating their growth are encouraged to apply via the University of Southampton Science Park website.

Apply today