Women entrepreneurs in India continue to face barriers such as limited access to funding, mentorship, and market opportunities. Addressing these challenges head-on, the EvolutioNari Women Entrepreneurship Program by AIC Pinnacle is creating a nurturing ecosystem for women-led startups, fostering innovation and inclusivity.
In this exclusive interview with TheCSRUniverse, Mr. Sunil Dhadiwal, CEO, AIC Pinnacle, shares insights on how EvolutioNari is providing tailored mentorship, legal and IPR support, funding opportunities, and a strong network to help women entrepreneurs scale their ventures. He also discusses the program’s collaboration with HPCL Udgam and AIM-NITI Aayog, its impact on economic growth, and future plans to expand into Tier II and III cities.
Scroll down to read how EvolutioNari is shaping the next generation of women entrepreneurs in India:
Q. What inspired the creation of the EvolutioNari program, and how does it align with AIC Pinnacle's vision for promoting women's entrepreneurship in India?
A. The EvolutioNari program was inspired by the need to bridge the gender gap in entrepreneurship by empowering women to overcome societal, financial, and operational barriers. It aligns seamlessly with AIC Pinnacle's vision of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship by ensuring inclusivity and diversity. By focusing on women entrepreneurs, the program aims to create an ecosystem where women-led startups can thrive, contributing to India’s economic and social development.
Q. What are the key challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in India, and how does EvolutioNari address these barriers effectively?
A. Women entrepreneurs in India often face challenges such as limited access to funding, mentorship, market opportunities, and a supportive network. Societal biases and work-life balance further hinder their entrepreneurial journey. EvolutioNari Women Entrepreneurship Program by AIC Pinnacle addresses these barriers by offering:
- Tailored Mentorship: One-on-one guidance from industry leaders.
- Funding Opportunities: Connecting entrepreneurs with investors and financial resources.
- Robust Networks: Providing access to a diverse network of industry experts, mentors, and collaborators.
- Skill Development: Training programs to build basic entrepreneurial skills.
The program is delivered in a hybrid format, with mostly virtual sessions tailored to the unique needs of women entrepreneurs, ensuring accessibility and convenience. This flexibility allows participants to overcome logistical challenges and focus on building impactful businesses.
Q. Could you elaborate on the holistic support, including mentoring, infrastructure, legal, IPR, and fundraising, provided in EvolutioNari, and share success stories showcasing its impact on empowering women-led startups?
A. EvolutioNari offers a 360-degree support system, including:
Mentoring: Personalized guidance from experienced industry leaders. The startups belong to a diverse range of sectors and need personalized mentoring in addition to mentoring on common topics such as Marketing, Financial & Business Planning etc. EvolutioNari aims to provide one year long mentoring support to all startups through a structured 3 months common program, followed by individual mentoring.
Infrastructure: Access to co-working space at Pune, connects with NABL accredited testing labs and infrastructure.
Legal and IPR Support: Assistance with business structuring, intellectual property rights, and compliance. AIC Pinnacle is also an IPFC center under the Ministry of MSME and offers IP support such as Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Designs etc. free of cost to the startups under MSME scheme.
Fundraising: Connecting startups with a pool of 150+ investors and guiding them through the fundraising process. In case startups are found eligible, they will also be provided access to applying for seed fund schemes run by various departments.
We have successfully launched the EvolutioNari Cohort, having 15 innovative startups spanning a diverse range of sectors, stages, and geographies across India. From health tech solutions like AI-assisted stress detection and clinical decision platforms in Bangalore and Patna to sustainable innovations like plastic-to-3D printer filament and biopolymer agricultural solutions in Gurugram and Bangalore, these ventures highlight impactful ideas. Prototypes dominate the stage, with a few at MVP or Go-To-Market readiness. Locations such as Pune, Mumbai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, and Chennai further enrich the geographic diversity, showcasing entrepreneurial initiatives tackling challenges in milk safety, circular economy, edtech, medtech, and beyond.
Q. How is the partnership with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (HPCL Udgam) and the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) – NITI Aayog enhanced and strengthened the impact of the EvolutioNari program?
A. The partnership with HPCL Udgam and AIM-NITI Aayog has provided critical resources and credibility to the EvolutioNari program. HPCL’s support enables greater outreach, financial backing through grants and expert access. At the same time, AIM-NITI Aayog’s collaboration brings access to national-level networks, policies, and frameworks that strengthen the program’s ability to nurture women entrepreneurs.
Q. How do you see women entrepreneurs contributing to India's economic growth and the broader goals of sustainable development and gender equity?
A. Women entrepreneurs are catalysts for inclusive economic growth, creating jobs and driving innovation across sectors. Their participation contributes directly to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) like gender equality, poverty reduction, and economic empowerment. Women-led startups often focus on community-driven solutions, amplifying their impact on social and economic sustainability.
Q. Are there plans to expand EvolutioNari beyond its current format, such as adding more startups, sectors, or geographic regions?
Yes, there are plans to scale EvolutioNari by:
- Increasing the number of startups supported each year.
- Expanding into diverse sectors, including technology, health tech, and agritech.
- Reaching underserved regions, including Tier II and Tier III cities, to nurture untapped talent and potential.
Q. What are the key outcomes you aim to achieve through the EvolutioNari program in terms of startup growth, job creation, and broader societal impact?
A. The program aims to:
- Incubate and accelerate women-led startups and provide all the necessary support they need to expand and grow.
- Generate employment opportunities, particularly for women.
- Foster innovation that addresses societal challenges, thereby driving economic and social transformation.
Q. What are AIC Pinnacle’s future plans for fostering innovation, supporting women entrepreneurs, and contributing to India's vibrant startup ecosystem?
A. AIC Pinnacle plans to support women startups by the following:
- Launch sector-specific programs tailored for women entrepreneurs like Social Impact
- Collaborate with corporate and government entities to expand funding opportunities.
- Organize global partnerships and knowledge-sharing platforms to bring international best practices into the Indian startup ecosystem.
Q. What advice or message would you like to share with aspiring women entrepreneurs who are looking to break barriers and create impactful startups?
A. To aspiring women entrepreneurs: Believe in your vision, seek out supportive networks, and never shy away from asking for help. Remember that innovation thrives on diversity—your unique perspective is your strength. Programs like EvolutioNari are here to guide and support you on your entrepreneurial journey.
Q. In your experience, what are some unique perspectives or innovative solutions that women entrepreneurs bring to the table, and how do programs like EvolutioNari create an environment that nurtures these distinct contributions?
A. Women entrepreneurs often bring a human-centric approach, focusing on inclusive solutions that cater to underserved markets. They excel in designing products and services that prioritize sustainability, empathy, and community well-being. EvolutioNari fosters this innovation by providing an inclusive and resource-rich environment, enabling women-led startups to thrive and make meaningful contributions to society.
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