Women in Deep Tech

From advancing AI and machine learning algorithms to developing cutting-edge biotechnologies, women have been instrumental in shaping the future of technology. Their contributions drive scientific progress and serve as inspirational role models for future generations of women in STEM. Women play a vital role in promoting diversity and creating more inclusive spaces within the deep tech ecosystem.

Recently, the Hello Tomorrow summit, an annual gathering of pioneers in science, technology, and entrepreneurship, provided a platform for insightful project presentations and discussions. Among them, the CEO of IT company Duanex, Oleg Danyliuk, heard vast success stories from women entrepreneurs, researchers, and leaders who are making waves in deep tech. Also, he gained the opportunity to interview the CEO of Agora Energy Technologies, Christina Gyenge, a notable figure in the deep tech sector.

Reflecting on the challenges of being a woman entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry like deep tech, Gyenge mentioned that she has yet to encounter significant hurdles directly related to her gender. However, she acknowledged the potential impact of gender biases on startup valuation, suggesting that the perceived value of a startup may diminish solely based on the founder’s gender.

While discussing her journey, Gyenge mentioned that she doesn’t have a specific role model. Her inspiration comes not from any particular individual but from impactful actions and achievements in the field. However, she expressed admiration for Rosaline Franklin, a pioneering scientist whose work on DNA structure profoundly impacted modern science. Gyenge’s approach to inspiration underscores the importance of tangible achievements and the broader impact of scientific contributions.

As regards, effective initiatives for supporting and empowering women in deep tech, Gyenge highlighted her participation in the Cartier Women’s Initiative. It provides extensive support in several key areas:

• Business Coaching: All the participants receive valuable insights and personalized business coaching that help them refine their business models, develop strategic plans, and address the challenges of scaling their companies.

• Networking Opportunities: The initiative connects business-run and business-owned women with industry leaders, investors, and potential partners. These connections can open doors to new collaborations and business opportunities.

• Visibility: Entrepreneurs gain global visibility through the Cartier network and media coverage, which can attract further investment and customer interest.

Cartier Women’s Initiative helped Gyenge understand the business aspects beyond the technical side of her startup. The program’s focus on financial management, sales strategies, and marketing was particularly beneficial, enabling her to build a more robust and scalable business.

Drawing from her own experiences, Christina Gyenge offered valuable advice for women looking to advance in the deep tech industry. Her insights are rooted in the realities of navigating a challenging field, highlighting the importance of passion, perseverance, and strategic networking.

“You should always prioritize passion over financial gain. Don’t do it for the money,” she emphasized, suggesting that a genuine belief in one’s ideas and a deep-seated passion for the work are crucial for sustaining motivation. 

The way to deep tech is full of challenges, and without a strong passion for the work, it can be difficult to stay committed to the ups and downs. This passion drives innovation, fuels resilience, and ultimately leads to more fulfilling and impactful achievements.

Gyenge also pointed out that the deep tech industry is demanding, as it requires a significant investment of time, effort, and resources. Developing cutting-edge technologies often involves complex research, long development cycles, and rigorous testing and validation processes. This can be particularly challenging for startups, which must balance innovation with the practicalities of running a business.

The role of women in deep tech goes beyond individual success stories. It is about shaping a more inclusive industry that benefits from the full spectrum of talent and ideas. Women’s participation in deep tech leads to more comprehensive and well-rounded technological advancements, as diverse teams are proven to perform better, fostering creativity and innovation. 

The future of deep tech is bright and full of potential, with women playing a central role in its evolution. The success stories of women like Christina Gyenge demonstrate that women can and will continue to make significant contributions to deep tech.