Chandigarh: Startup workshop to foster women-led innovation held

Fostering Women-Led Innovation: Startup Workshop at Panjab University

Panjab University recently hosted a workshop aimed at empowering women in technology and fostering their entrepreneurial spirit. the event, organized under the banner of “SHE: Empowering Women in Tech,” brought together aspiring female entrepreneurs, industry experts, and policymakers to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing women in the tech sector.

SHE: Empowering Women in Tech

The “SHE” workshop served as a platform to highlight the crucial role women play in driving innovation and technological advancement. It provided a space for networking, mentorship, and knowledge sharing, enabling participants to connect with like-minded individuals and gain valuable insights into the world of tech entrepreneurship.

Inauguration and Key Events

The workshop was officially inaugurated by esteemed dignitaries who emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive and supportive ecosystem for women in STEM fields. Several key events throughout the workshop included panel discussions featuring prosperous female entrepreneurs who shared their experiences and offered practical advice to aspiring entrepreneurs.

empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Policies, Progress, and the Path Forward

A significant portion of the workshop focused on the policies and initiatives aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs. Experts discussed the progress made in achieving gender parity in the tech industry and identified areas were further action is needed.

“We need to create an environment where women feel supported and encouraged to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. This requires a multi-pronged approach involving government policies, corporate initiatives, and societal attitudes,” said Dapinder Kaur Bakshi, a leading figure in the tech industry and advocate for women in entrepreneurship.

Tech-Driven Women Entrepreneurs: Pioneering the Future of Innovation and Impact

The workshop showcased the diverse range of tech-driven ventures led by women, demonstrating their innovative solutions and contributions to various sectors. From healthcare to education, these women entrepreneurs are using technology to address societal challenges and create positive impact.

Call to action

The “SHE” workshop served as a powerful call to action for individuals, organizations, and policymakers to actively support the growth of women-led innovation. By breaking down barriers, providing access to resources, and fostering a culture of inclusivity, we can empower the next generation of female tech leaders and unlock their full potential to shape a more equitable and prosperous future.

Empowering Women in Tech Through Mentorship and Innovation

A recent workshop held at Panjab University shed light on the crucial role of women in the technology and entrepreneurship sectors. Organized by PI-RAHI (Panjab University-IIT Ropar Regional accelerator for Holistic Innovations Foundation) under the Startup Handholding & Empowerment (SHE) Cohort 3.0 initiative, in collaboration with the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST), the event provided a platform for aspiring women entrepreneurs to connect with resources and support networks.

SHE: A catalyst for Women Entrepreneurs

The SHE programme is specifically designed to support women navigating the world of technology and innovation. It goes beyond mere funding, offering structured mentorship, strategic guidance, and invaluable industry connections to help these women scale their ventures successfully. The workshop aimed to leverage this program’s potential by bringing together women with the know-how and networks they need to thrive.

Launch of Idea-Phied 3.0 and a Call for Innovation

The workshop served as a launchpad for idea-phied 3.0, a platform dedicated to nurturing entrepreneurial aspirations among women in technology. This initiative signifies a commitment to fostering an ecosystem that empowers women to embrace their innovative ideas and bring them to life.

Over 250 participants, encompassing faculty, researchers, and students from Panjab University and its affiliated colleges, attended the event. The workshop featured insightful discussions and panel sessions led by prominent figures in the tech industry and policy-making.

Panel Discussions: Addressing Key Challenges and Opportunities

Two key panel discussions highlighted the multifaceted challenges and opportunities facing women entrepreneurs in Punjab.

The first, “Empowering women entrepreneurs: Policies, progress, and the path forward in Punjab,” moderated by Manish Verma, co-founder & CEO of AngelBlue Holdings, saw expert insights from Dapinder Kaur Bakshi of PSCST and Satyendra Singh, CEO of TBI IISER Mohali.

The second panel, “Tech-driven women entrepreneurs: Pioneering the future of innovation and impact,” moderated by neha Arora, COO of PI-RAHI, delved into the crucial role women play in driving technological innovation and its societal impact.

Harnessing Technology to Bridge the Gap

Dapinder Kaur Bakshi, during the panel discussion, emphasized the transformative potential of technology in mitigating the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Punjab. She highlighted how technology can bridge the gap in access to funding, mentoring, and market opportunities, thereby creating a more equitable playing field.

A call to Action for a More Inclusive Tech Future

This workshop serves as a testament to the growing recognition of women’s crucial role in shaping the future of technology and innovation. By fostering inclusivity,providing access to resources,and championing mentorship opportunities,we can empower women to become successful innovators and leaders in the tech industry.

Empowering Women in Tech: Policy, Partnerships, and Progress in punjab

In Punjab, India, a concerted effort is underway to break down barriers and empower women in the burgeoning technology sector. The “SHE: Empowering Women in Tech” workshop, held recently at Panjab University, showcased this commitment. We spoke with Dapinder Kaur Bakshi, Scientist & Head of the Innovation cells & Startup Ecosystem Division at the Punjab state Council for Science & Technology (PSCST), to delve deeper into the initiative, its impact, and the roadmap for future progress.

Challenges and Opportunities for Women Tech Entrepreneurs in Punjab

“At PSCST, we strongly believe in nurturing innovation across all sectors, and recognizing the immense potential of women in technology and entrepreneurship is crucial,” explains Bakshi.“The “SHE” program aims to empower women entrepreneurs by providing them with access to mentorship, resources, and a supportive network.”

While acknowledging the progress made, Bakshi points out that women entrepreneurs in Punjab, like their counterparts globally, frequently enough encounter hurdles. These include:

• Limited access to funding
• Lack of role models and mentors in the industry
• Societal expectations that may not align with entrepreneurial pursuits
• Potential bias in the industry

To address these challenges head-on, the PSCST’s “SHE” program is working to connect women entrepreneurs with investors, provide targeted mentorship from experienced professionals, and create a platform for their voices to be heard.

Building a Thriving Ecosystem

The “SHE” program, along with the launch of idea-phied 3.0, demonstrates PSCST’s strong commitment to fostering a more inclusive and innovative tech ecosystem in Punjab.

“We plan to expand our network of mentors and partners, implement tailored training programs addressing the unique needs of women entrepreneurs, and create a extensive resource hub offering guidance and support at every stage of the entrepreneurial journey,” Bakshi shared.

the initiative also aims to increase public awareness about the importance of gender diversity in tech through targeted outreach programs and public events.

Looking ahead: A Call to Action

The journey towards greater gender equality in tech is a collective effort. Governments, institutions, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play. By supporting initiatives like the PSCST’s “SHE” program, advocating for policies that promote inclusivity, and challenging unconscious biases, we can create a more equitable and thriving tech landscape for all.

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Punjab

Punjab is taking strides in supporting women entrepreneurship.The Punjab State Council for Science and Technology (PSCST) has launched “SHE” – a comprehensive initiative aiming to foster a thriving ecosystem for women-led businesses. This initiative seeks to address key challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, from access to funding and training to building a strong network and community support.

Goals of the SHE Initiative

The SHE initiative has three core objectives:

• Expand the network of mentors and industry partners: Connecting women entrepreneurs with experienced professionals and industry leaders can provide invaluable guidance, support, and opportunities.
• Offer specialized training programs: Equip women entrepreneurs with the essential skills needed to succeed in areas such as fundraising, marketing, and scaling businesses.
• Create a dedicated co-working space: Provide a collaborative environment where women entrepreneurs can connect, share ideas, and build a strong sense of community.

Beyond these objectives, the SHE initiative envisions a dynamic platform that connects women entrepreneurs with potential investors, collaborators, and customers, ultimately driving the economic and societal impact of their innovative ventures.

Advice for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs

Dapinder Kaur Bakshi, a prominent figure in the Punjabi entrepreneurial landscape, offers valuable advice to aspiring female entrepreneurs:

“My advice to aspiring female entrepreneurs is to embrace their ideas, be bold and persistent, and seek out a strong support network.Connect with mentors, join communities of like-minded individuals, and don’t hesitate to reach out to organizations like PSCST for guidance and resources. Remember, the journey might have its challenges, but the rewards of building your own ventures and contributing to innovation are truly immeasurable.”

The Growing Movement for Women Entrepreneurship

Initiatives like SHE are part of a broader global movement recognizing the immense potential of women entrepreneurs. studies consistently show that women-led businesses not only create jobs and drive economic growth but also contribute to social progress and innovation. By supporting women entrepreneurs, we invest in a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

The growing recognition of women’s contributions to entrepreneurship is creating a more supportive environment for them to thrive.

what’s Next?

The success of initiatives like SHE depends on continued support from various stakeholders,including government agencies,private sector organizations,and individuals. By fostering collaboration, investing in resources, and providing mentorship and guidance, we can empower women entrepreneurs in Punjab and beyond to reach their full potential and make a meaningful impact on the world.

What are your thoughts on initiatives like SHE and the growing support for women entrepreneurs? Share your views in the comments below!

what specific strategies does the “SHE” program employ to overcome the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in accessing funding and mentorship?

Empowering Women in Tech: A Conversation with Dapinder Kaur Bakshi

Punjab is witnessing a surge in women entrepreneurship, driven by initiatives like the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology’s (PSCST) “SHE” program.We spoke with Dapinder Kaur Bakshi, Scientist & Head of the Innovation cells & Startup Ecosystem Division at PSCST, to delve deeper into the program’s impact and future aspirations.

Challenges and Opportunities

“At PSCST, we believe nurturing innovation across sectors is crucial, and recognizing women’s potential in technology and entrepreneurship is paramount,” explains Bakshi. “The “SHE” program aims to empower these women by providing mentorship,resources,and a supportive network.”

despite progress, women entrepreneurs in Punjab, like globally, face hurdles. These include limited access to funding,lack of role models,societal expectations,and potential bias.

“Our goal is to address these challenges directly. We connect women entrepreneurs with investors, provide targeted mentorship, and create a platform for their voices to be heard,” Bakshi shares.

Building a Thriving Ecosystem

The “SHE” program, along with the launch of idea-phied 3.0, signifies PSCST’s commitment to fostering inclusivity.

“We’re expanding our mentor network,implementing specialized training programs,and creating a dedicated co-working space,” Bakshi reveals. “We also aim to raise awareness about gender diversity in tech through targeted outreach programs and events.”

Advice for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs

Bakshi offers valuable advice: “Embrace your ideas, be bold, persistent, and seek a strong support network. Connect with mentors, join communities, and reach out to organizations like PSCST. Remember, the journey might have challenges, but the rewards are immeasurable.”

Looking Ahead: A Call to Action

Creating a truly equitable tech landscape requires collective effort. Governments,institutions,businesses,and individuals must work together.

“Supporting initiatives like SHE, advocating for inclusive policies, and challenging biases are crucial steps,” Bakshi concludes. “by investing in women entrepreneurs, we invest in a brighter, more innovative future for all.”

What are your thoughts on initiatives like SHE and the growing movement for women entrepreneurs? Share your views in the comments below!