Female-led innovation took centre stage at the University of Bradford’s Demo Day.

Among the 20 promising start-ups were Lotessa, founded by Tsitsi Chinyandura, and Lucy Finn’s X-Trim.

The event marks the culmination of the Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem (BREE) programme.

Sonya Bachra-Byrne, enterprise development manager, said: “The University of Bradford’s enterprise programmes are designed to give budding entrepreneurs access to the skills and knowledge they need to take their business ideas to the next level.”

Delyth Lloyd-Edwards, senior manager at the British Business Bank, said: “We are proud to support this programme which is helping female founders overcome barriers to investment and supporting them to scale their businesses.”

The programme will continue to provide workshops and coaching until November.

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, added: “By supporting inspiring founders like Tsitsi, of Lotessa, and Lucy, of X-Trim, we can unlock innovation across our key sectors and support the creation of good, high-quality jobs.”