Women-Led Startups Shine at UnPollute Conclave

Innovative Green Ventures Recognized for Sustainability Impact

A gathering of aspiring women entrepreneurs showcased their groundbreaking ideas at the UnPollute Conclave, an event organized by the Social Tech Entrepreneurs Program (STEP). The conclave brought together a diverse group of startups and a panel of esteemed investors from organizations such as Speciale Invest, Rukam Capital, and MeritX Ventures.

A key highlight of the event was a masterclass conducted by Meta, which focused on empowering green entrepreneurs through technology and social media. The session, titled “Unlocking Growth for Green Entrepreneurs,” provided valuable insights into leveraging digital tools to scale environmentally friendly businesses.

STEP, renowned for its commitment to incubating women-led startups, offers a comprehensive range of resources to support their success. Beyond mentorship and networking opportunities, STEP provides masterclasses on essential business skills like social media marketing, revenue models, storytelling, and design thinking. Additionally, entrepreneurs receive guidance on refining their business models, pitching to investors, and developing strong leadership skills.

The conclave culminated in an award ceremony that recognized outstanding startups for their contributions to sustainability. Women founders and students alike were honored for their innovative approaches to waste management, circular economy initiatives, and climate action. The winners—Green Gum (Pahal Garwa), India Recycles (Renu Pokharna), and Kiasha’s MTL Pvt Ltd (Anisha Shetty)—were collectively awarded Rs. 6 lakhs to further their sustainability ventures. Two studentpreneurs from Miranda and the STEP student fellowship program were also acknowledged for their climate-focused ideas.

The UnPollute Conclave underscored the growing potential of women-led startups in the sustainability space and showcased the vital role they play in addressing environmental challenges.