iAccelerate has recently opened applications for a unique scholarship for women looking to embark on an entrepreneurial experience.

The iAccelerate LIFT Scholarship Program for Women will allow women to join iAccelerate’s Activate program and gain the entrepreneurial skills to apply business or other community initiatives. These have been made possible from the generous funding from the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship Round 4.

iAccelerate has a strong track record in supporting women entrepreneurs, with over 50% of our companies having at least one active female founder. We now want to take this to the next level and with these scholarships we will be prioritising women from underrepresented groups as we know they face multiple level of barriers to succeed as entrepreneurs.

iAccelerate Director Dr Tamantha Stutchbury is thrilled to see this investment in Women entrepreneurship in the Illawarra. She says “We know that there is a multiplier effect of intersectional barriers to participation, development and leadership of girls and women in STEM education, careers, innovation and entrepreneurship.

“We want to ensure that talented women have equal opportunities to excel in entrepreneurship. By supporting their start up aspirations with our Activate program and providing additional mentorship and support we hope to contribute to their success and foster a more diverse and inclusive entrepreneurial community.”

PhD Candidate at the University of Wollongong Yunjia Lei understands first hand the value of having a scholarship to complete the Activate program. She was fortunate enough to recently complete the program and has gained the skills, knowledge, and importantly the confidence to move forward with her start up idea.

“I am incredibly grateful to have been awarded a scholarship by iAccelerate, which has allowed me to participate in the Activate program. This course has been very helpful in enhancing my understanding of determining market fit, evaluating our idea, validating it with potential customers, and making necessary pivots to reach the point of developing a pitch.”

Yunji and her co-founder and fellow Phd candidate Joshua are developing a digital personal assistant for the visually impaired individual. They are now moving forward with their business.

“While we possess technological knowledge in our field, we realized that we lack expertise in important business-related areas, such as evaluating the target market and forming a viable business model. Now, equipped with this knowledge and experience, our team is prepared to take our prototype to the next level”.

iAccelerate is now accepting applications for these scholarships. To apply simply visit iaccelerate.com.au/apply and complete the application form.