The programme is being delivered by Scotland-based AccelerateHER, the female founders network whose aim is to amplify the work of entrepreneurial women, in partnership with Barclays Eagle Labs and with funding from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

The 100 selected founders are from technology businesses which cover a range of sectors—including finance, education, healthcare, and food—and are either currently trading or ready to bring their product or service to market.

During the programme participants will work with experts from across the entrepreneurial landscape, including Barclays ‘champions’, in a series of masterclasses with the focus of further developing their businesses.

It also includes one-to-one mentoring opportunities, accountability groups, and community networking events held in-person in Glasgow and London.

The accelerator will culminate with a showcase event in Manchester next month, where selected participants will pitch their companies to an audience of investors.

AccelerateHER said that, as a programme delivery partner, it will further leverage its experience and expertise as an organisation centred on helping female-founded firms to boost growth.

The network’s sister company, Investing Women Angels, will also provide support and advice, particularly concerning how to pitch for investment.

Speaking on the accelerator, Elizabeth Pirrie, CEO of AccelerateteHER, said: “We’re delighted to be once again working in partnership with Barclays Eagle Labs to deliver this new, UK Government-funded programme aimed at bolstering female-founded businesses.

“Interest in the Female Founders Accelerator has been overwhelming with over 250 applicants for the initial 100 places available. We will now focus on supporting the participating founders in further developing their business proposition and their own leadership skills.

“We have a proud history of providing support and mentoring that has helped female-led companies thrive and we look forward to delivering those outcomes through this new programme.”

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Amanda Allan, the director of Barclays Eagle Labs, also commented: “We are proud to continue our support for female founders who want to advance their ambition to grow their technology businesses.

“The digital-tech economy needs more female founders and this programme, via AccelerateHER, is a great way for us to support achieving that ambition.

“It’s also very encouraging to see the number of female founders that applied for the programme. Women are clearly looking to entrepreneurship in the digital-tech sector, so this kind of support is vital to level the playing field.”