WAVE Competition Seeks Top Women Tech Founders to Boost UK Economy

The UK government is launching a national search for the country’s top women tech founders. The Women Advancing Venture and Entrepreneurship (WAVE) Competition 2025 aims to identify ten leading innovators. Applications are open now and close on September 30, 2025.

This initiative is led by the Office for Investment’s Venture Capital Unit. It directly addresses a significant economic opportunity. According to HM Treasury, the UK could gain up to £250 billion in new value if women started and scaled businesses at the same rate as men.

Unlocking Economic Potential Through Targeted Support

The WAVE Competition offers a substantial platform for selected founders. Winners will be featured in a professional lookbook. This document will be circulated to venture capital and corporate venture capital investors worldwide.

The ten founders will also attend an exclusive breakfast pitching session. They will meet with prominent investors and senior VC mentors. Further opportunities include invitations to government and industry events for networking and collaboration.

Eligibility and Application Process for Ambitious Founders

To qualify, a founder must be a woman leading a British technology business. She must be the sole or joint founder of the company. Participants must also be willing to engage in government-led initiatives.

The business itself must be seeking to raise at least £5 million in the next financial year. It also needs to demonstrate clear market traction. This includes early revenues, ongoing customer trials, or established intellectual property.

Applications are submitted through the official competition portal. The Venture Capital Unit will review all submissions after the September deadline. The 2025 cohort of winners is scheduled to be announced in October.

The WAVE Competition 2025 represents a critical step in bridging the investment gap for women in tech. This focused support for women tech founders UK could unlock the massive economic potential identified by officials.

Dropping this nugget your way

Q1: What is the main benefit of winning the WAVE Competition?

Winners gain significant exposure to global investors. They also receive mentoring and exclusive pitching opportunities. This support is designed to accelerate their fundraising efforts.

Q2: Who is eligible to apply for the competition?

The competition is open to women who are founders of UK-based tech businesses. Their companies must be seeking substantial investment and have some market validation. Full eligibility criteria are listed on the application page.

Q3: What is the economic rationale behind this campaign?

HM Treasury analysis indicates a massive economic upside. Supporting women-led businesses could add up to £250 billion to the UK economy. The competition aims to tap into this underutilized potential.

Q4: When will the winners be announced?

The selected cohort of ten founders will be announced in October 2025. This follows the application deadline on September 30, 2025.

Q5: Is there a cost to apply for the WAVE Competition?

No, the application process is free for all eligible founders. It is a government-backed initiative designed to support entrepreneurship without financial barriers.

Trusted Sources
HM Treasury, Office for Investment (OFI), Venture Capital Unit (VCU).