On September 26th, 2025, the European Training Academy FEM-Up was officially launched at the European Centre for Business and Innovation of Murcia (CEEIM). The event marked an important milestone in the project, creating a dynamic space to discuss the challenges, opportunities, and future of female entrepreneurship in STEAM.
The launch brought together entrepreneurs, mentors, institutional representatives, and experts to reflect on the realities of women’s entrepreneurship in the region and across Europe. The discussions highlighted several key areas:
- Challenges for young women entrepreneurs in STEAM, including confidence gaps, limited access to finance, and balancing family responsibilities.
- Existing regional programs and support systems in Murcia, presented by institutions such as INFO, AJE, and OMEP, which aim to foster a more inclusive and competitive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- The importance of European cooperation, as FEM-Up connects Murcia with partners in Slovenia, Greece, Italy, Turkey, and Malta, offering young women the chance to learn from diverse contexts and best practices.
- The work still ahead, particularly in strengthening networks, scaling mentorship, and ensuring that support reaches young women at different stages of their entrepreneurial journeys.
Voices from the regional ecosystem
Mentors and entrepreneurs who guided participants through the FEM-Up pilot phase also offered their insights. They stressed the program’s innovative value compared to other initiatives, highlighting its added value and practical and tailor-made methodology: training modules, group workshops with experienced businesswomen, startup visits, and personalized mentoring.
Institutional representatives shared their perspectives on the current panorama of young entrepreneurship in Murcia. They emphasized the value of policies, training opportunities, and the role of business networks in opening doors for women-led startups.
Inspiring vision
One of the most powerful moments of the event was the intervention of Laura Mateo Galindo, participant in the FEM-Up pilot phase, national winner of the FEM-Up business model competition and finalist in the international pitch contest with her business project MiSintaxis, a mobile app designed to teach and practice syntax interactively.
Her testimony showed the impact of her participation in the FEM-Up academy: she gained entrepreneurial and communication skills, self-confidence, and a stronger connection to other entrepreneurs across Europe. Laura’s journey is a clear example of how initiatives like FEM-Up can empower young women to transform innovative ideas into viable business projects.
Looking to the Future
The panel discussion “Keys to Female Entrepreneurship in STEAM in the Region of Murcia” underlined that while progress has been made, there is still work to do. Building stronger bridges between startups and established companies, expanding access to finance, and providing flexible support systems for young women remain crucial priorities.
At the same time, the European dimension of FEM-Up was highlighted as a unique strength. Cooperation, exchange of practices, and cross-border mentorship are not only sources of inspiration but also open tangible opportunities for young entrepreneurs in Murcia and beyond.
The FEM-Up Academy, now officially launched, will continue to provide young women with:
- A digital platform with learning modules, tools, and resources tailored to entrepreneurial needs.
- Mentorship and guidance from experts in CEEIM and partner organizations.
- Networking opportunities with women entrepreneurs across Europe.
