WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN BIOMEDICAL START-UPS IN KERALA: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

 The surge of women entrepreneurs in Kerala's biomedical sector is a recent phenomenon contributing significantly to the state's progress. This study investigates the challenges and opportunities faced by women entrepreneurs in biomedical start-ups in Kerala. Despite commendable performance, women encounter obstacles in finance, societal expectations, and gender-specific barriers. Business incubators, crucial in mitigating these challenges, play a pivotal role. The study explores major business incubators like like BioNest, Business Innovation and Incubation Center (BIIC), and Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST-TIMed), government schemes supporting entrepreneurship, and the experiences of women entrepreneurs in the biomedical field. Interviews, on-site visits, and literature review form the research methodology. The results illuminate the multifaceted journeys of prospective and incubator-backed women entrepreneurs, providing valuable insights into their motivations, challenges, support needs, and future aspirations. The findings underscore the need for tailored support ecosystems, comprehensive funding awareness, and initiatives fostering gender-inclusive innovation.