Stephen Walker had identified a timely opportunity, helping manufacturers navigate upcoming EU regulations around Digital Product Passports by developing a platform to support compliance, improve traceability, and drive sustainability. The idea felt both relevant and full of potential, but the challenge was knowing how to move it forward.

With no prior experience of structured market research, and uncertainty around how to access funding or build a capable team, progress was hard to visualise. The core concept was there, but the practical steps to bring it to life weren’t yet clear.

To explore the potential of his idea and turn it into something actionable, Stephen joined the Innovative Entrepreneurs Programme.

Working closely with Business Coach Ralph D’Attorre, Stephen began to explore and shape the opportunity with more clarity. One-to-one coaching sessions gave him space to think critically, test assumptions, and define the key components of the business. Ralph helped him break the vision into a more manageable plan, identifying what needed to be learned, what should be prioritised, and how it could eventually grow into a sustainable venture.

The group element of the programme also had a huge impact. Stephen joined a cohort of other early-stage entrepreneurs, each with different ideas, challenges and areas of focus, but all working through the same startup process. Through peer group sessions, he gained valuable insight, fresh perspective, and a sense of community. Being able to share progress, roadblocks and lessons learned with others on a similar path provided reassurance and accountability that made a real difference.

Structured workshops complemented the coaching and peer sessions, offering guidance on key startup areas such as lean methodology, market discovery, and preparing for investment. For Stephen, who was navigating the early stages of entrepreneurship for the first time, this blend of coaching, content and collaboration made the process feel much more achievable.

During the course of the programme, Stephen held early conversations with manufacturers to better understand the real needs and challenges around compliance and traceability. These conversations helped confirm there was genuine demand for a digital passport solution and gave the concept a more practical foundation. He went on to form a co-founding team, officially launched Sentiri Ltd as a company, and opened a public waitlist to begin building a community of early adopters.

Sentiri also secured a grant through a competitive pitch competition, allowing the team to begin developing the MVP (minimum viable product). This early version of the platform would be tested with pilot customers, helping the team learn fast, gather feedback, and shape the next phase of development.

Reflecting on the journey, Stephen shared:

“The Innovative Entrepreneurs Programme and Ralph’s guidance helped me move from idea to action. With their support, I’ve launched Sentiri as a registered company, secured a grant, formed key partnerships and launched our public waitlist. The programme has given me the clarity, confidence and connections to turn a concept into a real, investable venture.”

What began as an early idea with no clear structure has now become a growing business, backed by real industry insight, early traction, and a clearly defined roadmap. With manufacturers already expressing interest and development underway, Sentiri is now preparing to support the sector as it adapts to new regulations.

By combining startup coaching, peer support and practical validation, the programme helped Stephen move from initial concept to early-stage execution, and laid the foundations for Sentiri’s next stage of growth.