Applications for Women Entrepreneur Quest 2018 are open

BANGALORE, INDIA: AnitaB.org India, the non-profit organization focused on the advancement of women in technology has announced the 8^th edition of the Women Entrepreneur Quest (WEQ) 2018 this week.

The Top 10 winners of WEQ 2018 will each receive an all-expenses-paid experiential learning visit to Silicon Valley, US. During this visit the winners will build connects, receive value-added guidance and get inspiration from some of the best entrepreneurs, investors and mentors in the valley. The WEQ 2018 Top 10 winners will also get to attend the Grace Hopper Celebration India (GHCI) 18 to be held in Bangalore.

The objective of the WEQ 2018-19 Silicon Valley Learning Program is to support the top 10 winners with their business growth. The program will provide access to:

Quality networks: Visits and meetings with key stakeholders in the Silicon Valley ecosystem such as leading technology companies, startups, investors, officials, incubators, accelerators, universities and so on.

Expert guidance: Sessions and deep-dive workshops on important business functions, technology trends and growth strategies from industry veterans, mentors, entrepreneurs and experienced professionals.

Great inspiration: Directly interacting and hearing from role models in the Silicon Valley. This is also an opportunity for the winners to showcase their business with some of the best in technology.

“According to a survey we carried out among our past WEQ winners, 83% still continue to pursue the same business and 75% have witnessed an increase in their customer base since their visits to Silicon Valley. The program provides a better understanding of investors, product and marketing strategies, team-building, technology innovation, and other aspects that are vital to grow any business," said Geetha Kannan, Managing Director, AnitaB.org India.

Dr Anita Gupta, Scientist G & Associate Head Innovation & Entrepreneurship, DST, Government of India said, “Entrepreneurship has the potential to play a substantial role in the economic and social growth of a country. Our government continues to focus on bringing women to the fore and making them a significant part of our growth story. We look forward to supporting more women entrepreneurs that will go on to create successful startups and contributing to our economy and society.”

“The WEQ Silicon Valley Learning Program provides ample opportunity for Indian women entrepreneurs for knowledge sharing and exchange of experiences from the U.S entrepreneurship ecosystem,” said Dr. Rajiv Tayal, Executive Director, Indo-US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF).

WEQ 2018 is sponsored by the AnitaB.org India and the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.  The Indo-US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) also plays an integral role in supporting and organizing WEQ 2018. The applications for Stage 1 of the contest close on 30 September, 2018.