In collaboration with INNOVentures Global (Private) Limited, Standard Chartered Bank (SCBPL) has revealed the #SCWomenInTech Cohort 5/2023 winners. The goal of the WomeninTech programme is to increase the representation of women in technology-based business, with a focus on financial inclusion.
The WomenInTech project was established in Pakistan in 2019 with the goal of promoting gender parity in technology-based business. A cohort of 25 start-ups representing enterprises in fourteen various business sectors was chosen in 2023 at the programme’s selection phase. A comprehensive capacity-building programme was offered to the participants, and the winners received a seed grant. The WomenInTech project has given out grants totaling over PKR 30 million throughout the years. In addition to the awards that were revealed and given out between 2019 and 2022, over two start-ups have received secret funds through a single, profitable purchase exit.
With the completion of the WomenInTech 2023 “Application Phase,” which saw over 1700 applications for participation from over 100 cities and towns, the number of female founders expressing interest has significantly increased. A screening committee chose about 300 applications to move forward with for pitching. Ultimately, fifty candidates from thirteen locations were asked to present, chosen by their start-ups’ distinctiveness and qualifying requirements.
A 2.5-month capacity development programme was completed by the 25 start-ups in the selected cohort. The programme’s goal was to improve the start-ups’ knowledge and business management abilities in order to hasten their growth. Twelve subject area experts led these sessions, and the cohort also met six prominent local and global role models from the industry and beyond. Additionally, the founders were paired one-on-one with 25 knowledgeable mentors to provide them with guidance during the acceleration phase of their suggested technological project.
The CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan, Mr. Rehan Shaikh, said, “I would like to express my sincere congratulations to the inspiring business owners who were chosen for this year’s #WomenInTech initiative. At Standard Chartered Bank, we think that all of these women entrepreneurs are making a significant contribution to the socioeconomic development of our country and improving chances for inclusion and employment for the general public. The bank is dedicated to enabling sustainable global growth and financial inclusion. We have given more than PKR 30 million in grants so far to help some of the most innovative projects grow, which demonstrates our dedication to empowering business owners and promoting a diverse and inclusive digital environment. We will keep empowering young women entrepreneurs by enhancing their potential and assisting them in acquiring professional skills so they may grow their companies and make an impact on both the local and global levels.
The programme’s objective is to advance women’s economic and social development in Pakistan by means of technology-driven entrepreneurship or innovation. In order to meet the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN for promoting good health and the wellbeing of communities, the programme once again drew in the widest range of entrepreneurs and founders to date, including Fem-Tech innovators who are improving Health-Tech, Hygiene Products, Fin-Tech, Air-Quality, Agri-Tech, Ed-Tech, etc.
The following are the winners’ details:
Rent-IT is upending the digital fashion industry in Pakistan by enabling stylish consumers to purchase high-end clothing.
Khair is Pakistan’s pregnancy and first-period tracker. A Comprehensive Approach to Women’s Health
EcoBricks: This innovative firm is poised to upend the building sector by turning non-recyclable plastic trash into bricks and pavers that are environmentally beneficial.
Chiragh Education Technologies: Chiragh provides learning solutions in regional languages and is a gamified, video-based learning platform.
Tibbi-powered Aesthetics Lab Aesthetics Lab is a distinct and inventive health technology firm that has the potential to upend Pakistan’s aesthetics market.
DigiDeaf: DigiDeaf is a platform that offers comprehensive solutions for the Deaf community’s inclusion, employment, and educational growth.
Irverde-Gogreen is a tech-enabled waste management firm that promotes recycling and raises awareness in order to realise the goal of zero waste.
The programme’s objective is to advance women’s economic and social development in Pakistan by means of technology-driven entrepreneurship or innovation. In order to meet the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN for promoting good health and the wellbeing of communities, the programme once again drew in the widest range of entrepreneurs and founders to date, including Fem-Tech innovators who are improving Health-Tech, Hygiene Products, Fin-Tech, Air-Quality, Agri-Tech, Ed-Tech, etc.
