Meet the first CatalyseHer microgrant winners!

We’re thrilled to announce the winners of the first CatalyseHer pitch competition, a celebration of bold ideas, early-stage innovation, and women creating local and global impact.

CatalyseHer, a 3-year initiative designed by INCO and supported by Visa Foundation, accelerates the growth of early-stage women founders across the UK with a focus on social and environmental impact. Through expert guidance, peer learning, and cash microgrants, the programme helps founders unlock new opportunities and lay the foundations for long-term growth.

Meet the Grant Winners

From a competitive pool, five outstanding founders from our first cohort were selected to receive £5,000 microgrants to take their next bold steps forward. These founders stood out for their passion, purpose, and potential, and we’re excited to see what they achieve next.

PulpaTronics, founded by Chloe So has developed fully recyclable, metal-free RFID tags using laser technology to eliminate the need for metal antennas and silicon chips. This innovation reduces manufacturing complexity and e-waste, with the goal of enabling a more circular economy. Their solution addresses the 45 billion RFID tags that currently end up in landfills each year.

Winnow, lead by Fiona Wainscott is pioneering a new standard in sustainability impact measurement with patentable tech that gives a complete view of a product’s environmental footprint. Their platform provides transparent, data-backed insights that help consumers make informed choices and companies validate their sustainability claims. By unifying fragmented data through LCA methods, Winnow is building a trusted and scalable sustainability ecosystem.

Intotum, created by Hanan Tantush designs ready-to-wear clothing that meets the specific needs of disabled individuals without compromising on style. By integrating fashion, comfort, and functionality, they create inclusive garments that reflect mainstream trends and restore a sense of independence. With 24% of the UK population living with a disability, Intotum fills a critical gap in accessible fashion.

Natural Negative, driven by Dr.Phoebe Heseltine is replacing traditional plastics with high-performance, compostable bio-based alternatives. Their AI-powered platform supports manufacturers in seamlessly switching to tailored bioplastics that integrate into existing production systems. They are on a mission to make sustainable materials more accessible and drive the shift away from single-use plastics.

Mater-AI, by Gatleen Bhambra is using generative AI and physics-based modelling to discover thermoelectric materials that convert waste heat into electricity. Their goal is to advance energy efficiency and address the global issue of waste heat by turning it into a valuable resource.

At Visa Foundation, we believe in the power of small businesses and innovation to help drive inclusive economies for all. We’re proud to support entrepreneurs through initiatives like the CatalyseHer program and be part of the positive ripple effect their businesses will have in their local communities,

said Chuk Onike, Program Officer, Visa Foundation

Want to be part of the next CatalyseHer cohort?

Applications for the next cohort will be opening soon! If you're an early-stage woman founder building a purposeful venture, register your interest to be the first to receive an application form here: https://catalyseher.inco-group.co/

I want to join the next cohort