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Written question asked by Callum Anderson (Labour) on Monday, 13 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 July 2026. It was answered by Kanishka Narayan (Labour) on Friday, 17 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Higher Education: Women

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions she has had with universities on increasing support for female founders emerging from higher education.

Answer

Women founders make a critical contribution to the UK’s innovation economy. Ministers engage regularly with universities and sector representatives on entrepreneurship, commercialisation and university spin-outs.

The Women in Research Charter, published on 1 July and backed by more than 60 organisations, including over 40 universities promotes family leave, flexible working and inclusive research culture. The Charter will enable women academics to thrive across their careers, including turning their research into commercial ideas.

DSIT also established the Women in Tech Taskforce to address barriers facing women in the tech sector. Following the recent publication of its Call for Evidence findings and an independent report on the economic benefits of removing barriers to participation in the digital economy, the Taskforce is developing interventions to tackle toxic culture and support women-led businesses, to be announced later this year.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
18319
Session
2026-27
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Women Higher education
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk