Power Her Up

The entrepreneurial programme designed to equip women entrepreneurs with a strong foundation for success, focused on transforming high-growth potential ideas into impactful ventures.

Who Can Apply

This programme is open to those who identify as women, including trans women, intersex and non-binary individuals.

Eligible participants include:

• Undergraduate students
• Master's students
• PhD students
• Alumni (up to two years post-graduation)
• Staff members

Eligibility Criteria:

This is an application-only programme with a limited number of spaces available.

The programme is tailored for individuals working on high-growth potential ideas, with a strong encouragement for applicants from STEMM sectors (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine).

To be eligible, you should:

• Have completed basic market research and some level of customer validation
• Be ready to submit a Lean Business Canvas
• Provide a 1-minute pitch video as part of your application

We’re looking for applicants who are ready to take the next step, this is not for raw or undeveloped ideas.

Programme Dates:

• Applications open: 4 August 2025
• Application Deadline: 5 January 2025
• Programme runs: Wednesdays, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
• Start date: 14 January 2026
• Duration: 10 weeks

What We Ask of You

All sessions will be held in person. We simply ask that you:

• Attend at least 80% of the sessions
• Come ready to participate and engage
• Get involved with the wider cohort and the amazing Power Her Up community of women entrepreneurs
• Give pitching a go at the end of the programme

Completion reward:

Earn a University of Edinburgh digital badge by completing the full programme, plus you'll have the chance to win a cash prize.

Visa Information

If you hold a visa, you’re welcome to attend all our workshops, regardless of your visa type.

However, before working on a startup, please ensure your visa permits it.

Please note that the Edinburgh Innovations Student Enterprise Team cannot offer legal advice on visas.

For more information and support, please refer to Visa Guidance.

Programme Outline:

• Establishing your Personal Business Foundations - 14 Jan 2026
• Design Thinking - 21 Jan 2026
• Legal Essentials for Starting Up - 28 Jan 2026
• Intellectual Property (Bonus Session) - 30 Jan 2026
• Value Proposition - 4 Feb 2026
• Share It with the World: Marketing Essentials - 11 Feb 2026
• Money Smart - 25 Feb 2026
• Pitch Perfect - 4 March 2026
• From Pitch to Profit: Sales Fundamentals - 11 March 2026
• Elevate your Network - 18 March 2026
• The Power Her Up Showcase - 1 Apr 2026



Please note: Dates and sessions may be subject to change.