Introduction
In significant news for women’s entrepreneurship and cross-border collaboration, we are delighted to announce the appointment of three visionary women — Lisa McLaughlin, Bernie McTiernan and Carla Rosenkranz - to our new ‘Embedded Entrepreneurs' programme, in association with AwakenHub.
Selected from over 60 applicants hailing from across the island, these three inspiring women founders will develop their ventures within the university ecosystems of Atlantic Future’s academic partners, for the next two years, in tandem with ongoing work within Research Stream 3 (Women’s Entrepreneurship in the Atlantic Corridor) - whilst also studying for an MSc from the University of Galway in TechInnovation.
Embedded Entrepreneurs: A Launchpad for Women-Led Innovation
Delivered by AwakenHub - an inspirational Irish community of women founders - and supported by our four academic partners (Ulster University, University of Galway, Atlantic Technological University and the University of Limerick), the ‘Embedded Entrepreneurs’ programme offers these three exceptional women unparalleled access to academic resources, mentorship, and cross-border networks - as well as a €30k per year stipend to help deliver their vision.
Each will refine their ventures while earning a qualification, contributing to our research, and growing their business, in lock-step with groundbreaking Atlantic Futures research into women's entrepreneurship being delivered by Dr. Isobel Cunningham, Dr Laura Bradley, Dr Janine McGinn and Dr Rachel Hilliard.
Meet the Entrepreneurs
Lisa McLaughlin | Founder of boey + becci
Lisa McLaughlin, a Derry-based entrepreneur, is the creative force behind boey + becci, an organic baby and children’s brand committed to sustainability and ethical production. Her products blend modern design with eco-conscious materials, catering to parents seeking safer alternatives for their little ones.
I was absolutely delighted to be selected. This is the first time since I've setup the business that I'll be able to fully focus on it. I can really embed myself in the business and university, collaborate with academics and students, and develop our products. It's really exciting!
👉 Explore boey + becci: www.boeyandbecci.co
Bernie McTiernan | Founder of Baba Dreams Ltd
Bernie McTiernan’s Baba Dreams Ltd creates premium baby products using ethically sourced natural materials. Based in Leitrim, her brand prioritizes safety and convenience for caregivers, combining tradition with modern innovation.
I'm so excited that I was chosen for this programme. It means so much to be able to progress both myself and the business with this support. The access to the different types of people at the universities and within AwalenHub, who will be able to help us grow and scale is going to be absolutely huge for us. It's a fantastic opportunity.
👉 Visit Baba Dreams: www.babadreams.ie
Carla Rosenkranz | CEO & Founder of BarterChain
Carla Rosenkranz, a tech innovator from Westport, Co Mayo, founded BarterChain, a peer-to-peer platform revolutionising how communities exchange skills and services in a cashless way. Her matchmaking technology connects users based on mutual needs, fostering local resilience and reducing financial barriers.
I was absolutely buzzing to be chosen for this. We'd reached the stage where we really needed support to scale and grow, with both mentorship and financing, so it's a huge relief to be able to focus on this for the next two years. This programme will allow us to focus on creating a really solid business model for BarterChain alongside a full UI/UX redesign, redevelopment and rebrand.
👉 Discover BarterChain: www.barterchain.io
Their successes will be earned and learned
As part of the programme, Lisa, Bernie and Carla will also undertake an MSc in TechInnovation at the University of Galway, a fantastic course which aims to teach students how to identify commercial needs and respond to the need in the form of a tested, viable solution. The course, which is delivered in Galway by a world-class team of academics, including the esteemed Prof. Bernie Carlson, Martina O'Grady & Prof John Breslin, supports founders to work through issues of market analysis, technology viability assessment and competitive positioning.
Learn more about the course at
https://www.universityofgalway.ie/courses/taught-postgraduate-courses/msc-techinnovation.html
Voices of Support
Clare McGee, Co-Founder of AwakenHub, highlighted the programme’s transformative potential:
Women remain underrepresented in entrepreneurship, yet they drive unparalleled innovation. By embedding these founders within academia, we’re dismantling barriers and creating a blueprint for inclusive growth. Lisa, Carla, and Bernie exemplify the talent waiting to be unleashed in these regions and we’re really excited to work with them to help them on their journey and see their ventures grow!
Dr. Rachel Hilliard, University of Galway, emphasized the broader economic impact:
Supporting female founders isn’t just about equality—it’s about smart regional development. Our research stream focuses on the power of women’s entrepreneurship to reduce regional inequality in the north-west. Awaken Hub are also doing amazing things to help change the landscape for women founders across the country and we’re very fortunate to have their expertise on this project along with my colleagues in Research Stream 3
About AwakenHub
Only 2% of funding globally goes to solely women-founded businesses (Or 13% if they have a male cofounder). The rest goes to male founded teams. AwakenHub have got a problem with that.
Their mission is to level up opportunity, access and connectivity for women founders throughout the Island of Ireland by removing barriers to investment, scale and success.
AwakenHubs social impact vision is a society where every founder’s journey is equitable irrespective of gender and where they are based.
👉 Find out more at www.awakenhub.com
Conclusion: A Catalyst for Change
By investing in women-led ventures, our programme not only amplifies individual businesses but also strengthens the social and economic fabric of Ireland’s northwest, whilst providing vital data for critical research aiming to affect policy making in the region to help future women founders.
As Lisa, Carla, and Bernie embark on their Embedded Entrepreneur residencies, their journeys will undoubtedly inspire a new wave of innovation—proving that when women collaborate, communities prosper.
Atlantic Futures is funded by the Higher Education Authority as part of the North South Research Programme.