Derry tech founder wins £75k Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award

Mary Blake, the CEO and founder of SeeMe, an AI-powered personal archive platform based in Derry, has been awarded a £75,000 Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award. This prestigious recognition makes Blake one of only 61 successful applicants out of nearly 1,600 innovative companies across the UK. She is one of two women from Northern Ireland to receive this honour, the other being Pragya Sharma, founder of Gran Lab, a Belfast-based research and development platform focused on treating skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.

Established in 2016, the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Awards have provided over £15 million in support to 260 women founders. These funds have contributed to the growth and development of their respective organisations. As part of her award, SeeMe will receive 12 months of business support, training, networking, and role-modelling opportunities, which will be crucial for SeeMe's expansion, particularly given its base in Derry City outside of the usual economic hubs.

Speaking about her win, Blake expressed her pride in being chosen among the most promising entrepreneurs in the UK. She highlighted that this award serves as a significant validation of the work SeeMe has done so far and underscores the importance of tangible support for innovative companies. Tom Adeyoola, the executive chair of Innovate UK, commended this year's cohort of women in innovation, stating that these founders are developing ideas, technologies, and businesses that will drive economic growth and address global challenges.

He emphasized the importance of backing these founders with the necessary resources to help them flourish.