CIRCLE Women Association, in partnership with Hugo Bank and Unilever Pakistan, successfully concluded the National Finale of She Loves Tech 2024. This renowned global competition, which celebrates women-led tech startups, showcased the innovative spirit and entrepreneurial acumen of Pakistan’s female innovators.
Held at Unilever Pakistan Ltd, Avari Towers, the finale featured a competitive lineup of eight promising startups. These startups pitched their groundbreaking ideas to a panel of esteemed judges, vying for the grand prize of 300,000 PKR and the second-place award of 150,000 PKR sponsored by Unilever Pakistan.
Sadaffe Abid, Founder and CEO of CIRCLE Women Association, emphasized the significance of She Loves Tech in Pakistan’s tech landscape.
“Given the country’s gender gap and 1% representation of women in entrepreneurship, this platform is crucial for empowering female innovators,” she stated. “CIRCLE’s mission aligns with fostering a more inclusive and successful nation through women’s leadership in technology.”
The event was graced by the presence of Mr. Ishrat Hussain, a renowned economist and former advisor to the Prime Minister on Institutional Reforms and Austerity.
A panel of esteemed judges, including Misbah Naqvi (Co-Founder & CEO – Invest2Innovate), Habibullah Khan (CEO – Penumbra), Shaista Ayesha (CEO – Seed Ventures), Naz Khan (PFC – IFC), and Ali Rashid (Chairman – Discover Group & Spokesperson – Government of Sindh), assessed the eight selected startups’ pitches.
Kangroo Care AI Emerges as Winner
Kangroo Care AI, a startup dedicated to improving neonatal healthcare, took home the top prize of 300,000 PKR at She Loves Tech 2024. Agri Gel, a company developing sustainable agricultural solutions, was awarded second place and received 150,000 PKR.
The People’s Choice Award was won by Sharmeen Khan, Co-Founder BeMe Global, an online platform for mental health and counseling services.
Celebrating Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The event attracted a significant audience of media representatives, influencers, and key ecosystem builders, who came together to celebrate the growth of technology and the vital role of women in its development.
The successful conclusion of She Loves Tech 2024 marks a significant milestone for Pakistan’s tech ecosystem. It showcases the innovative spirit and entrepreneurial potential of women-led startups in the country. By providing a platform for these startups to showcase their ideas and connect with potential investors, She Loves Tech is contributing to a more inclusive and prosperous Pakistan.
