SCALE, a platform for growth-stage businesses, has named four female founders as finalists who will pitch live at SCALE Manchester on 25th November 2026.
The founders will pitch at Freight Island to an audience of investors, founders and business leaders, competing for a package of scaleup support worth almost £13,000.
Their businesses tackle falls among lower limb amputees, preventable infections associated with period products, respiratory infections in people with cystic fibrosis and menopause support in the workplace.
Gergana Ivanova, founder and CEO of GA Innovations, is developing Feelimb, a wearable device giving lower limb amputees real-time sensory feedback to improve gait, stability and confidence.
The business is testing its second prototype and raising a seed round.
Lucy Hope, founder and CEO of The Daughters of Mars, is developing a patent-protected bioactive tampon designed to support the vaginal microbiome and help prevent bacterial vaginosis.
The business has won an Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award and is working with an established period-care brand.
Rachel Shelmerdine, CEO of MiDx, is developing a non-invasive urine test for the early detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in people with cystic fibrosis and other complex respiratory conditions.
The technology is being evaluated in a UK clinical study.
Shirley Sarker, founder and CEO of Summ Base, has created a personalised menopause support service that connects employees with relevant workplace policies, occupational health services and adjustments while protecting individual privacy.
The judging panel will be led by SCALE Chairman Andrew B Morris, alongside Xavier Ballester of Angel Investment Network, Stephanie Birch, founder of Birch Strategic Services, and founder-turned-investor Andy Gray.
The winner’s package includes an MVP Sprint from Smile IT Solutions, executive coaching from SCALE Ventures and six months’ coworking membership at Bruntwood SciTech’s Manchester Tech Hub.
It also includes investor support from Angel Investment Network and YFM Equity Partners, and additional support from Growth Debunked and Sweqlink.
The runner-up will receive an MVP Sprint alongside support from Angel Investment Network, Bruntwood SciTech, Sweqlink and JournoLink.
Ballester said: “Reading through the application decks, the quality of talent and business fundamentals among these female founders is seriously impressive. I can’t wait to see them pitch live and help select the overall winner.”
Morris said: “What stood out about these four finalists is that each has created proprietary technology to address a real-world problem. They have early validation and are exactly the kind of businesses investors should be backing.
“Female founders still face significant barriers when raising investment, so I’m pleased SCALE and our partners can provide practical support that helps these businesses take their next step.”
SCALE Manchester will bring founders, investors and business leaders together for a day of panels, roundtables, networking and introductions.
SCALE’s platform includes monthly community meet-ups called SCALE Sessions and a £300,000 entrepreneurs’ investment fund, SCALE Ventures.