Four women-led startups recognized by the Punjab government.

The Government of Punjab has recognized and honored four women-led startups from the Golden Jubilee Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) for their outstanding contributions to innovation in Punjab and their significant societal impact. The recognized startup leaders include Dr. Vipasha Sharma, owner of MKelly Biotech Private Limited, for her advancements in healthcare; Dr. Gauri Jemurgen, founder of Gauri’s Skin Care Private Limited, for developing a natural sunscreen with anti-aging and anti-cancer properties made from biomass; Pooja Kaushik, who was acknowledged for her creative crochet and fiber-based products under the brand 'Kreatekit'; and Nancy Bhola, who was celebrated for her social enterprise 'Sakhiyaan', a cooperative empowering marginalized women, weavers, and artisans in Punjab's rural areas to create sustainable products from textile waste. Dr. P.K. Pati, the coordinator of the Centre, noted that these startups have been registered with the GNDU incubation center and have received support through various state government initiatives. The Centre is currently home to 40 startups focused on innovative technologies, with many securing seed funding from the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology and Startup Punjab. Dr. Pati also highlighted that the Centre has established a strong network of mentors, ecosystem enablers, investors, and industry partners.