Empowering Women in Innovation: The Power of Personal Branding for University Entrepreneurs

Universities with innovation, enterprise, or commercialisation centres play a vital role in shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs. Centres like the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre, Unit M at The University of Manchester and The Centre for Enterprise at Manchester Metropolitan University are hubs where ideas turn into ventures who are really advocating and supporting for female innovation talent.

We know from our work with women on the innovation journey is that personal branding is an area often overlooked but can play a significant role in accelerating these exciting career journeys. Personal branding is not just about visibility; it’s about building confidence, clarity, and connection—key elements for strengthening female representation in innovation and enterprise.

A woman entrepreneur presenting her project at a university innovation centre

Why Personal Branding Matters for Women in Innovation

Women in innovation face unique challenges, including underrepresentation and limited access to networks. Personal branding helps women:

• Clarify their unique value beyond their product or service

• Build confidence in their expertise and leadership

• Create meaningful connections & buy-in with mentors, investors, and peers

  
  

We know that visibility can open doors within university innovation centres and beyond.

How Personal Branding Supports Career Journeys

Personal branding is a practical tool for women entrepreneurs at any stage. For example, a woman developing a biotech startup in Manchester can use personal branding to:

• Define her story and mission clearly to attract collaborators

• Position herself as a thought leader in her field through speaking engagements

• Build a network that supports her growth and resilience

  
  

This approach helps women move from being “just another founder” to a recognised leader in their sector.

Tailored Support for University Innovation Centres in Manchester

Innovation centres can enhance their support for women by integrating personal branding into their programmes. Workshops and coaching sessions focused on personal branding can:

• Help women articulate their strengths and goals

• Provide tools to build authentic online and offline presence

• Encourage peer support and mentorship networks

  
  

By offering this support, centres can create more inclusive environments where women thrive.

Practical Steps to Introduce Personal Branding Workshops

Universities interested in adding personal branding to their innovation support can start with:

• Interactive workshops that include storytelling exercises and confidence-building activities

• One-on-one coaching tailored to individual career goals

• Panel discussions featuring successful women entrepreneurs sharing their branding journeys

Dr Sam Lynch is a personal brand strategist with a background as a senior academic, innovation lead and commercial marketer. If you would like to find out how we can unlock ambitions for your female innovators reach out at assistant@drsamlynch.co.uk