A non-profit organisation focussed on the advancement of women in computer science and engineering, Anita Borg Institute India along with two Government bodies viz, National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB) of Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India and Indo-US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) have come together to organise the sixth edition of Women Entrepreneur Quest 2016.
It is a competitive platform for tech-based startups incepted and run by women. The event will be held at the Grace Hopper Celebration India (GHCI) conference. The top 10 women entrepreneurs working in the fields of technology will win a trip to the US that will help them receive experiental learning.
Talking about the event, Geetha Kannan, Managing Director, ABI India said, “We are experiencing an increasing number of women entrepreneurs in technology in India building smart and innovative solutions for the real world. It is important to develop this talent so that they go on to build large, sustainable and successful business. At ABI we really do hope to see some of the next generation tech giants in India being founded by a woman. We are delighted with the continued support we are receiving from the DST, Government of India and IUSSTF in our endeavour to scale the growth of women-founded technology startups.”
Women Entrepreneur Quest (WEQ) is a unique business plan contest in India, to encourage, showcase, and recognise technology startups founded and managed by women entrepreneurs. The partnership of ABI India, NSTEDB and IUSSTF is in sync to support Government of India’s policies and programmes like Startup India, Stand up India, Digital India
The winners on their trip to the States will receive networking opportunities, as per an official statement. They will visit technology companies in the US, along with startups and hackerspaces. They will also be enabled to participate in discussions with mentors and investors.
“The WEQ visitation programme provides Indian women entrepreneurs extensive mentoring and networking opportunities with Silicon Valley resources to help overcome challenges and scale up their ventures. The exchange of knowledge and sharing of best practices has been a great learning experience for both sides and all involved,” said Dr. Smriti Trikha, Senior Science Manager, IUSSTF.
The last date to apply for the event is October 16, 2016. Interested startups can apply here.
