Recommendation 28

Universities are a vital source of innovative start-ups, but evidence to this inquiry suggests women are less likely to take up entrepreneurship courses and/or develop spinouts than their male peers. This is a missed opportunity for growth. The Government should work with UKRI to develop a specific programme of dedicated entrepreneurial support for women in postgraduate and postdoctoral studies. The programme should include increased opportunities for, and better signposting to, entrepreneurial fellowships, funding and pre-accelerator programmes. It should include female-focused networks for sharing experience, mentorship and guidance and seek to instil confidence in taking the step towards entrepreneurship. (Recommendation, Paragraph 112)