A programme named WeVenture has launched to assist women researchers across the island of Ireland in assessing the commercial aspects of their work. Applications are now open.

InterTradeIreland leads the effort in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland under the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, which receives funding from the Government of Ireland. Alinea handles delivery of the programme.

The initiative targets women at all stages of academic careers. It offers training, mentoring and connections to industry and investors to move research toward business applications.

Support matches participants' readiness levels, covering capability building, idea development and pre-accelerator stages for those starting research-based ventures.

The initial masterclass series, WeVenture: Ideas and Opportunities, begins in May.

WeVenture forms the fourth entry in a series of women's entrepreneurship programmes that includes WeScale, WeGrow and WeBuild, launched in November 2025.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke addressed the programme. Minister for the Economy Dr Caoimhe Archibald commented on it. Elaine Patterson, Assistant Director of Entrepreneurship at InterTradeIreland, spoke. Helen Fullen, CEO at Alinea, gave remarks. Mary Gormley, Head of Entrepreneurship at Invest Northern Ireland, contributed. Anne Lanigan, Head of Local Enterprise and Regions at Enterprise Ireland, weighed in.