08 July 2026

I am Back: Turning an idea into a working pilot with VocTech Ignite

Ufi’s VocTech Ignite programme provides support to projects whose ideas have real potential to create a difference but are not yet ready for full Ufi grant funding. This case study explores how early, targeted support through VocTech Ignite helped the I am Back team make decisions, test their approach and develop their idea into a viable pilot.

The I am Back team set out to tackle a persistent problem: 85% of UK women leave full-time employment within three years of having a baby.

In 2025, they applied to Ufi’s VocTech Activate fund with an idea for a mobile app to help women rebuild confidence and reconnect with work after maternity leave. The concept was to create a product offering bite-sized content, practical resources and access to a supportive community. At that stage, there were still key questions to answer, including which features to prioritise, what technology to use and who the product should be aimed at.

Although their application was unsuccessful, Ufi saw the potential in the idea and invited them to take part in VocTech Ignite.

“As a team, we were excited about our business idea but completely stuck when it came to the technology side of things. We needed a mentor who could guide us through our options and help us move beyond a great idea, to start building the app we had imagined.”

Josephine, I am Back team

During initial conversations with their Ignite mentor, Kev Jones, it was clear that the team had a strong vision but there were many unanswered questions. These included how to decide on the features for the minimum viable product (MVP), which technology to use, and whether to focus on B2B or B2C.

With their Ignite mentor, the team focused on turning their concept into something they could test with users. A key priority was to build an MVP with just enough functionality to gather feedback.

With limited time, budget and no prior development experience, the team used a no-code platform supported by AI tools to build their prototype. This allowed them to move quickly and adapt as they learned. Within two months, they developed a working prototype of I am Back, including 27 structured learning units organised into a journey from “Fog” to “Clear Horizons”.

Having a prototype in place allowed the team to engage with real users early. In response, the team refined key features and built a community element directly into the platform.

“Knowing that Ufi saw potential in our idea was amazing and working with an expert like Kev Jones was exactly what we needed at the right time. We focused on the app: how to use no-code platforms, exploring white label community plug-ins and the right and wrong way to plan out and then build an app (something we’d never done before). Without Kev we would not have an app at this stage.”

Josephine, I am Back team

I am Back are looking to launch in late 2026.

As the project progressed, the team began tracking engagement data, introducing analytics and exploring ways to grow their audience. Confidence in the project increased, with one team member moving to focus on it full-time.

By the end of Ignite, I am Back had developed a working prototype and launched a live pilot to test the platform with users. The team had a clearer product direction and, importantly, new ways of working; listening to users early, testing ideas quickly and building in response to feedback. The team is continuing to refine the platform, grow its community and explore further funding opportunities.

“As a business mentor, Kev was great at keeping the momentum going. Every time we met he would share his knowledge and bring something new to the table that we hadn’t considered. There was a mini-revelation in each meeting. We are now looking to pilot the app with an aim to launch later this year.”

Josephine, I am Back team

I am Back shows what happens when promising ideas are spotted early and given the right support to move forward. Without early and expert support from Ufi, many ideas would struggle to progress. Through VocTech Ignite, Ufi plays a vital role in helping early-stage innovators develop their thinking, build momentum, and reach a point where they can attract further support.