Edinburgh Napier University – SDG5 Living Lab

The SDG5 Living Lab, launched in April 2024 by Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) and Women’s Enterprise Scotland, is a pioneering initiative focused on empowering women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 5 – Gender Equality, the Lab addresses key barriers such as funding, mentorship, and networks through tailored support and systemic change. The Lab offers gender-aware business advice, delivered by trained experts, alongside a flexible discretionary fund, supporting a wide range of ventures, from film production to sustainable fashion.

The Lab also fosters a collaborative environment through initiatives like the first-ever global Startup Huddle for women and non-binary entrepreneurs, monthly Amplify sessions for creative practitioners, and bespoke training programs like Trailblazers and Leadership Training for Women. These initiatives build confidence, creative problem-solving, and leadership skills.

At its core, the SDG5 Living Lab is committed to radical inclusion, supporting a diverse community through co-designed programs. It addresses the needs of underrepresented groups, including neurodivergent women, and continuously adapts based on feedback. Through partnerships with Queen Margaret University and Edinburgh College, the Lab is creating a scalable, inclusive ecosystem for entrepreneurs. Sustainability is embedded in its approach, focusing on long-term cultural and structural shifts toward inclusive entrepreneurship. The impact is measurable, with a 15% increase in women engaging with ENU’s enterprise hub, Bright Red Triangle, since its launch and a growing network of women-led innovation.