Power Her Up

For women ready to take their idea further

Power Her Up helps women at the University of Edinburgh turn research, ideas and lived experience into ventures that solve real-world problems.

Power Her Up is a 10-week programme where women entrepreneurs build the foundation to take a high-growth, high-impact idea and turn it into a venture that solves a real-world problem.

Running from the 20th of January to the 30th of March, you'll learn directly from founders and industry experts who've done it themselves, get one-to-one advice tailored to your venture, and build real connections with a cohort of women founders on the same path.

Whether you're about to launch or still in the early days, Power Her Up gives you the tools, confidence and community to take your next step.

Who's it for? Anyone who identifies as a woman, including trans women, intersex and non-binary individuals, who's a current student, recent graduate or staff member at the University of Edinburgh.  

We especially encourage applications from STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine) sectors, though all high-growth, high-impact ideas are welcome. 

We're looking for applicants who:

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



This isn't for raw or underdeveloped ideas - we're looking for applicants who are ready to take the next step, whether you're about to launch your business, or you're in the early stages of getting it off the ground.

The details:

• The programme runs from the 20th of January to the 30th of March (10 sessions in total)
• All sessions are delivered in-person.
• Sessions will run every Wednesday from 3-5pm

We'd love you to attend every session, but we know life happens – if you miss one, our team will catch you up. We also know many of our founders are juggling caring responsibilities, so if timing is a barrier, just let us know and we'll do what we can to work around it.

Alongside the core sessions, you'll get informal peer support and 1-2-1 business advice throughout. Sessions are practical and delivered by experts, with a founder with lived experience joining each one to share their story.

What you will gain:

• A clearer, validated path forward - whether that's launching or growing what you've already started. 
• Core business skills to take your idea to the next stage
• The essentials of a solid business plan, plus tools and confidence to apply for further programmes and funding
• One-to-one guidance from experienced advisers and industry experts 
• A community of women founders to keep learning and growing with 
• A digital badge to showcase your learning and achievements 
• The chance to pitch and showcase your venture to the wider ecosystem at our pitch-off event.

What our founders are saying:

"Power Her Up was a great opportunity to connect with inspiring speakers, gain clarity on key business fundamentals, and be surrounded by a community of driven female founders.”

-PHU Alumna 2026

"The experience has been beyond superb. It’s an incredible support system, and every startup founder should have the chance to cross paths with this programme. Thank you for all the advice, guidance, and encouragement."

-PHU Alumna 2025

"The program has helped me to develop my self-confidence and start overcoming my fear of failure and my other limiting beliefs."

-PHU Alumna 2024