

AwakenClub Info Session: Regional Talent Engines (RTE)
Hosted by Sinead Crowley, Co-founder, AwakenHub
with Daniel Lowe, Regional Hub Manager (NI), Royal Academy of Engineering
About this session
Join us for a short, focused session to learn more about the Regional Talent Engines (RTE) programme, currently open for applications until 14 April 2026.
RTE is a six-month pre-accelerator designed for early-stage, technically-led founders, offering:
£20,000 equity-free funding
1:1 business coaching and expert mentoring
access to a strong network of engineering entrepreneurs
Daniel Lowe will walk through what the programme involves, what makes a strong application, and how to approach it with confidence.
What we’ll cover
What the programme offers and how it works
Who it’s designed for (and who it’s not)
The types of engineers and projects that are a strong fit
What to expect from the application process
Live Q&A
Who it’s for
Engineers or technically-skilled professionals exploring a startup idea
Very early-stage founders (idea or concept stage)
Those based in Northern Ireland or eligible to apply within the UK
Why join
With the deadline approaching, this is a chance to:
Quickly assess if the programme is right for you
Get clarity on eligibility and expectations
Avoid common mistakes in early applications
Leave with a clear next step if you decide to apply
What you’ll leave with
A clear understanding of the RTE opportunity
Confidence on whether to apply
Practical insight to get started on your application
Format
20 min overview
10 min Q&A
Note
If you’re even considering applying, it’s well worth joining this session before the 14 April deadline.