Technology Innovation Hub, IIT Guwahati Technology Innovation and Development Foundation Hosts Landmark Event to Empower Women Entrepreneurs with Wee Foundation Embassy of Israel in India: India-Israel Collaboration in Focus.
In a momentous gathering aimed at igniting a new wave of entrepreneurship, Technology Innovation Hub, IIT Guwahati Technology Innovation and Development Foundation with Embassy of Israel in Indiarecently hosted the “Empowering Women Through Entrepreneurship” event. This groundbreaking initiative brought together a constellation of luminaries, including dignitaries, industry leaders, and pioneering entrepreneurs, to champion the cause of women’s empowerment and foster collaboration between India and Israel in the entrepreneurial arena.
Amidst the backdrop of burgeoning India-Israel trade relations, His Excellency, The Ambassador, Mr. Naor Gilon, underscored the significance of events like this in strengthening bilateral ties and fostering innovation. “Empowering women in entrepreneurship is not merely a social imperative but a strategic investment in the future of our nations,” remarked Mr. Gilon, highlighting the pivotal role of collaboration in driving sustainable economic growth.
Mr. G. Krishnamoorthy, Registrar of IIT Guwahati, emphasized the institute’s steadfast commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent, particularly among women. “At IIT Guwahati, we are not just fostering innovation; we are cultivating a culture of inclusivity and empowerment,” stated Mr. Krishnamoorthy, highlighting the pivotal role of the Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) in catalyzing entrepreneurial ventures.
Prof. Dr. S. K. Dwivedy, Project Director of TIH at IIT Guwahati, delved into the transformative potential of technology in empowering women entrepreneurs. “In today’s digital age, technology serves as a powerful enabler for women to overcome barriers and unleash their entrepreneurial prowess,” remarked Dr. Dwivedy, shedding light on the myriad opportunities for innovation and disruption.
Dr. Sajan Kapil, Assistant Project Director of TIH, echoed these sentiments, stressing the imperative of bridging the gender gap in entrepreneurship. “By fostering an ecosystem that nurtures women-led startups and provides access to mentorship and resources, we can pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future,” noted Dr. Kapil, emphasizing the role of TIH in driving impactful change.
Mr. N. N. Dutta, CEO of TIH, reiterated the institute’s commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation. “Through initiatives like the ‘Empowering Women Through Entrepreneurship’ event, we are not only empowering individual entrepreneurs but also catalyzing systemic change,” remarked Mr. Dutta, highlighting the transformative potential of collective action.
Guest felicitations formed a cornerstone of the event, with luminaries such as Joyshree Das Verma, National President of FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) & Honorary Consul of Israel, Northeast India, being honored for their exemplary contributions to women’s empowerment. FICCI FLO, a stalwart in championing women’s entrepreneurship, has been instrumental in fostering a conducive ecosystem for women-led ventures.
Panel discussions, guest felicitations, and one-on-one interactions formed the crux of the event, fostering collaboration, inspiration, and knowledge exchange. The panel discussions delved into diverse topics such as overcoming challenges in the entrepreneurial journey, leveraging technology for business growth, and accessing funding opportunities. Esteemed speakers shared their insights and experiences, providing attendees with valuable lessons and actionable strategies to navigate the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship.
Guest felicitations were a highlight of the event, with luminaries such as Joyshree Das Verma, National President of FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) & Honorary Consul of Israel, Northeast India, being honored for their exemplary contributions to women’s empowerment. FICCI FLO, a stalwart in championing women’s entrepreneurship, has been instrumental in fostering a conducive ecosystem for women-led ventures, providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and advocacy on behalf of women entrepreneurs.
One-on-one interactions with esteemed guests provided attendees with a unique opportunity to engage directly with industry leaders, seek advice, and forge meaningful connections. These interactions served as a catalyst for collaboration, sparking new ideas and partnerships that have the potential to drive positive change in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Dr. Sarandeep Singh, Founder & CEO of WEE Foundation, shed light on the organization’s mission to empower women entrepreneurs through mentorship and support networks. “At WEE Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of entrepreneurship to drive socio-economic change,” remarked Dr. Singh, highlighting the critical role of grassroots initiatives in fostering inclusive growth.
Ms. Nava Swersky Sofer, Head of The World’s First All Women Venture Capital Fund in the US, emphasized the importance of investment in women-led ventures. “By channelling resources into women’s startups, we are not only unlocking economic potential but also driving social impact,” noted Ms. Sofer, highlighting the untapped opportunities for investment in women entrepreneurs.
Mr. Doron Gidony, Innovation Attache at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel, underscored the potential for collaboration between India and Israel in fostering women’s entrepreneurship. “India and Israel share a common vision for promoting innovation and entrepreneurship,” remarked Mr. Gidony, highlighting the synergies between the two nations in driving impactful change.
Discussions on India-Israel trade relations illuminated the burgeoning partnership between the two nations in sectors ranging from technology to healthcare. With both countries sharing a common vision for promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, the event served as a platform for exploring opportunities for cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange. The synergies between India and Israel present vast untapped potential for driving impactful change and fostering inclusive economic growth.
The event also showcased the transformative work being done by the Women Entrepreneurship and Empowerment (WEE) Foundation, a first-of-its-kind national initiative by IIT Delhi aimed at strengthening the women’s ecosystem in entrepreneurship. Under the visionary leadership of Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Director of IIT Delhi, Dr. Sarandeep Singh (Founder & CEO) and with the support of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, WEE is on a mission to ignite a fire among women of all ages to embrace entrepreneurship as a viable and fulfilling career option.
Furthermore, the event highlighted the pivotal role played by the FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO), established in 1983 as a division of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), which is the apex body of industry and commerce in India. FLO serves as an All India Organisation for women, with 19 chapters spread across the nation, including prominent cities such as Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and New Delhi, among others. Its members encompass a diverse spectrum of entrepreneurs, professionals, and corporate executives, united in their commitment to advancing women’s empowerment and leadership in business.
About Technology Innovation Hub, IIT Guwahati Technology Innovation and Development Foundation: IIT Guwahati’s Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) has been selected to spearhead the development of technology for underwater exploration by the National Mission for Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), Department of Science and Technology (DST) of the Government of India. Over the next five years, TIH aims to undertake innovative projects, develop high-quality manpower, establish incubation centers, training schools, and foster startups integrated with Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS).
TIH, under the purview of the Technology Innovation and Development Foundation (TIDF), serves as a pivotal center for research and innovation in CPS and underwater exploration technologies. With a team comprising 41 faculty members from IIT Guwahati and collaborations with institutions like New York University, USA, and the Taiwan Ocean Research Institute (TORI), TIH is committed to driving technological advancements of national and international significance. Additionally, TIDF comprises technical and management staff dedicated to advancing research, innovation, and technology transfer in these domains.
In conclusion, the “Empowering Women Through Entrepreneurship” event served as a beacon of hope and inspiration, galvanizing stakeholders to collectively champion the cause of women’s empowerment and drive meaningful change in the entrepreneurial landscape.
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