Women Entrepreneurs from Hyderabad Showcase Innovations at Global Summit

Women entrepreneurs from Hyderabad presented groundbreaking innovations at the TiE Women Global Summit this week, demonstrating their commitment to addressing significant global challenges. Their projects spanned various fields, from environmental sustainability to healthcare and technology, highlighting their potential to make a meaningful impact.

Among the standout participants was Avinya NeuroTech, founded by Sowmya Darapaneni, which emerged as the winner of the Hyderabad round. The startup received a cash prize of ₹100,000 and will represent the city at the TiE Global Summit in January 2024. Avinya NeuroTech aims to enhance brain monitoring accessibility in hospitals using simple, AI-powered tools. Their products, NeuroAstra and NeuroPaahi, are designed to assist healthcare professionals in rapidly interpreting brain signals, particularly in emergency situations. NeuroAstra utilizes AI to analyze EEG readings and provides instant reports, while NeuroPaahi is a portable device that enables real-time monitoring beyond large hospital settings.

“Our goal is to make neuro-monitoring efficient, affordable, and accessible across India,” stated Sowmya Darapaneni, who envisions a future where healthcare providers in smaller clinics can detect critical conditions such as seizures and brain injuries without relying on expensive imported systems.

Innovations Across Diverse Fields

Other entrepreneurs presented equally compelling projects at the summit. Aditi Mullick, founder of Prasinos Tech Innovations, is developing nanobubble and ozone-based technologies aimed at improving water quality. She noted, “Our goal is to make clean water technologies both effective and affordable,” highlighting a pilot project in Pune that nearly doubled the oxygen levels in a local lake.

In addressing the ongoing plastic crisis, Shailaja Bangaru of Rare & Authentic Extracts LLP unveiled biodegradable, edible films created from seaweed and guar gum. “Sustainability must be practical,” she emphasized, underscoring her commitment to creating packaging that is safe and environmentally friendly.

Meanwhile, Rachna Gujral, the founder of Skylish Petcare, focuses on providing fresh, preservative-free food for pets made with human-grade ingredients. “Pet parents today want to know what goes into their pets’ food,” she remarked, highlighting the importance of transparency and nutritional balance in her offerings.

Another notable innovation came from Prayushi Mathur, an IIIT-Hyderabad graduate and founder of AjnHawk Technologies. She is leveraging drones and AI to monitor road conditions and infrastructure quality, aiming to enhance public safety. “Technology can make public infrastructure safer and maintenance more proactive,” she stated.

In the fashion sector, Avani Reddy introduced Aharya Indie Craft Connect, which blends traditional Indian textiles with modern designs. “Aharya is about reclaiming our craft heritage and making it relevant to a new generation,” she explained, aiming to create fashion that honors tradition while appealing to contemporary markets.

Finally, Nishtha Rohatgi‘s AI.HYR (Providentia Labs) is transforming hiring processes by automating candidate screening and facilitating multilingual interviews. “Our platform is built to help companies make hiring more objective and data-driven,” she indicated, noting the expansion of her company into the UAE and US markets.

The diverse presentations from these women entrepreneurs not only reflect the innovative spirit of Hyderabad but also underscore the critical role of women in driving progress across various sectors. As they prepare to showcase their work on a global stage, their contributions promise to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs.