Skilling women researchers and nurturing women CEOs
Today’s society is very advanced – in so many ways.
From the cars people drive, to the way they communicate with one another, to the places people can travel to – and how they can get there.
But unfortunately, gender disparity is still evident for female CEOs, particularly in the Biotech sector.
Most people know that gender inequality still exists in some form, but often no action is taken to change it. With women being underrepresented, it might be having a negative impact on the overall outcomes.
“In order to run a company, one has to be worth more than just their research capabilities, there’s lots of more skills that are necessary,” Dr. Zeenia Kaul from Reheva Biosciences reveals. “During my training as a researcher, I was not necessarily offered an opportunity to learn those skills.
“I had to learn them on job.
“Some of the skills necessary to run a successful biotech startup or business are very different.
“As a scientist, I should be able to read a balance sheet and understand what it means for my business.
“I was very fortunate to have business education that allowed me to get the skillset and have a co-founder who had started companies and expanded them.”
Image: file
Cure Brain Cancer Foundation CEO Lance Kawaguchi reveals a similar tale of not many females being – or becoming CEOs – in the sector.
“When I joined the not-for-profit sector two years ago, I didn’t really see any women CEOs,” Kawaguchi adds. “That’s why I wanted to make sure that all the funds that we raised, are going to be dispersed based off merit, not on gender.”
So, how can change be facilitated, not only in the sector but across the board?
“I want to create an ecosystem, so that the biotechs are provided with the commercial experience of how to do intellectual property (IP) law; how to read a balance sheet when you’re doing a debt deal,” Kawaguchi asserts.
“I find many of the researchers, brilliant as they are, don’t have the finance or the business acumen.
“And that’s one thing I’m trying to provide – not only the funding, but also the support to fill in the gaps, to help them progress through each phase,” he says.
Another major obstacle that Kawaguchi points out is the lack of funding given to some companies at Phase zero, especially those startups that don’t have a track record of successful venture capital raises.
“How do you get a track record if you’re not given an opportunity?” he posits. “The more we can support that Phase zero phase or Phase one research, the more shots on goal.
“And this is how we get more from the bench to the bedside – by supporting the front end of the pipeline.”
The future is upon us as automatic systems shift warehouse efficiencies
As the world becomes increasingly digitised, businesses are turning to automation to increase efficiency and productivity in their operations. One area where this is particularly evident is in warehouse management, where the use of robots is becoming increasingly common.
HAI Robotics is one company at the forefront of this trend, offering cutting-edge robotic solutions for order fulfilment and warehouse management. Their robots can handle a variety of tasks, including picking, packing, and transporting goods, and can be programmed to work alongside human employees to increase productivity.
One of the key benefits of using robotics in a warehouse setting is the ability to maximise space utilisation. Robots can navigate narrow aisles and reach high shelves, allowing for more efficient use of vertical space. This, in turn, can lead to increased storage capacity and reduced costs.
However, it’s important to note that while robots are great at performing repetitive tasks and can increase efficiency in a warehouse, they are not a substitute for human employees. Human workers still play a critical role in the supply chain, particularly when it comes to tasks that require decision-making, problem-solving, and creativity.
Wearable technology has been gaining popularity since the invention of Fitbit in the early 2010s
The wearable tech industry is experiencing rapid growth and becoming an essential aspect of many peoples daily lives. Wearable devices, such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and smart glasses, have become ubiquitous, and they continue to evolve to meet consumer demands and needs.
Wearable technology has become an essential tool for fitness enthusiasts, medical professionals, and tech-savvy individuals alike. These devices enable users to track their daily activities, monitor their health and wellness, and receive real-time feedback on their progress towards their goals.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, wearable technology has become more crucial than ever. The pandemic has led to an acceleration of innovation in the wearable technology industry, as people search for new ways to monitor their health and keep track of their daily activities while maintaining social distancing protocols.
Professor Mark Kendall, the CEO, and Founder of WearOptimo sheds light on the benefits of wearable technology for medical purposes.
According to Professor Kendall, wearable technology has come a long way since the invention of Fitbit. Today, wearable technology is used not only for fitness and wellness purposes but also for medical applications. Wearable technology has revolutionised the way we monitor and manage our health, enabling us to track our vital signs, monitor our sleep patterns, and detect early signs of disease.
Unique opportunities to bring positive impact through tech-led conscious Investing
In recent months, traditional private capital markets have pulled back, causing concern for investors seeking investment opportunities. However, there is good news from the team at digital investment platform VentureCrowd, which has seen a remarkable 100% year-on-year growth.
VentureCrowd offers investors the chance to invest in various sectors, such as renewable energy, healthcare, and education. The platform’s focus on conscious investing has attracted a community of like-minded individuals who are committed to making a positive impact with their investments.
According to CEO Steve Maarbani, VentureCrowd is taking things a step further by offering investors the opportunity to own a slice of the high-growth WealthTech business. This move will not only enable investors to support conscious investment opportunities but also benefit from the growth potential of a leading digital investment platform.