Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award: three Greater Manchester winners of national award announced
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
The three winners have all been recognised for their work in groundbreaking industries. Each of them have worked on projects that benefit others and their efforts have been reward by Innovate UK.
Lucy Hope from Stockport, Nicola Cassidy from Manchester, and Judy Leung of Altrincham have all been awarded the title. Each will receive a £75,000 grant, personalised business coaching, and access to networking, role modelling and training opportunities.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad

Greater Manchester The winners from Greater Manchester are as follows:
- Lucy Hope from Stockport, founder of The Daughters of Mars, has developed a groundbreaking tampon that releases special biomimetic proteins during menstruation. These proteins fight harmful bacteria and restore a healthy vaginal balance, preventing bacterial vaginosis (BV), which affects one in three women.
- Nicola Cassidy from Manchester, founder of Adjutant Software (PTSD Hub), is transforming PTSD support. After facing an 18-month wait for therapy, Nicola created PTSD Hub, an AI-enabled platform providing immediate coping strategies and peer support to bridge the gap while awaiting professional care.
- Judy Leung from Altrincham, founder of Sweqlink, empowers early-stage entrepreneurs through sweat equity partnerships, where professionals trade time and expertise for ownership stakes. By connecting underserved founders, especially women and minorities, with talent, Sweqlink fosters an inclusive innovation ecosystem, boosting startup success and economic growth.
On her award win, Nicola said: “Experiencing long waits for therapy inspired me to create PTSD Hub, offering immediate support for those with PTSD. Through PTSD Hub, I want to connect the power of peer support and AI to give people the coping strategies they need, when they need them most.
“Earning an Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award is a tremendous opportunity to expand our reach and demonstrate how lived experience combined with innovation can create solutions that understand and address users’ needs.”
Emily Nott, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Innovate UK, said: “The Innovate UK Women in Innovation Awards spotlight the UK’s most groundbreaking women entrepreneurs. This year’s winners have shown incredible leadership and creativity. We’re thrilled to support them in scaling their businesses and inspiring the next wave of women innovators. Their success stories will undoubtedly pave the way for more women to enter and thrive in the world of innovation.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdDr Stella Peace, Interim Executive Chair of Innovate UK, said: “The Women in Innovation programme is a powerful catalyst for change, not just for the brilliant women entrepreneurs it supports, but for the entire UK innovation landscape. By breaking down barriers and amplifying diverse voices, Innovate UK are fostering a more inclusive and dynamic ecosystem that drives progress across all sectors.
“This programme is about more than funding – it's about creating role models, building networks, and inspiring the next generation of women innovators to dream big and transform our world.”
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.