Women Who Tech, the nonprofit started in 2008, has a mission “to bring together talented and renowned women breaking new ground in technology to transform the world and inspire change.” Their goals are to break down the barriers for women in startups, advertise, promote and celebrate startups that are being led by women, get more of these companies funded and connect the women looking for money with the investors saying they want to fund female led startups. At this time, only 7% of all startup investor money goes to companies with women at the lead.
For the sixth consecutive year, Women Who Tech is hosting the Women Startup Challenge. The competition this year is focused on Emerging Tech startups. This pitch competition, co-hosted by Google, will take place in New York City next week. Of this year’s ten finalists, three are health related startups.
Curie Co, an enzyme engineering company founded by Erika Milczek, @ErikaMilczek. She developed BuzzBite a FDA-compliant, 99% natural anti-itch gel for adults and children. Now as the CEO of Curie Co, she applies enzyme engineering techniques to develop healthcare products that are sustainable for consumers.
Timeless a reminder app to assist those living with Alzheimer’s disease developed by 14 year old Emma Yang, @emmayang78. Inspired by her grandmother who is struggling with the disease, she uses AI and facial recognition to help those who suffer from dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Neopenda is a global healthcare startup engineering solutions for neonatal healthcare. Co-Founder and CEO Sona Shah and her company have developed an affordable, wearable device that continuously monitors newborns’ vital signs.
Best of luck to all the finalists who will pitch their ideas in New York City on March 6th. Judges include Hayley Barna @hayleybay of @firstround, Nisha Dua @Nish67 of @BBGVentures, Hoolie Tejwani of @obviousvc, and @IanaDimkova of @GE_Ventures at @Google. The grand prize winner will be awarded $50,000 as a cash grant.
To follow and join the conversation: @WomenWhoTech, #WomenStartUpChallenge.
