The technology industry has enjoyed an enormous boom for over a decade now. Two stormy years for all sectors contributed towards creating India’s much-celebrated ‘techade’ and the future ahead also looks extremely promising with the rise of tech startups. The role of technology is transforming. By making things functional and work smoother, technology is also trying to make a difference and bring a change for the better. BW Disrupt’s Techtors looks at tech solutions that fall in this area.
What is Techtors?
An exclusive initiative of BW Businessworld in association with BW Disrupt, Techtors recognises exceptional startups whose clutter-breaking technology innovations have created a place for themselves in the startup ecosystem in India. Techtors aims to give young companies one more reason to celebrate as they push forward in their journeys that are revolutionising several businesses in India. These companies are introducing solutions that are making a difference in the workplace and India at large.
In its fourth edition, Techtors acknowledged disruptive technologies that provided solutions to a specific set of people. Entrepreneurs reiterate that failures have proven to be critical lessons to innovate and grow. Techtors received an overwhelming number of nominations from across sectors, showcasing how unique technology-driven solutions for critical issues, are on the rise.
Growth Trajectory Set To Rise
India has recently achieved the mark of 100 unicorns in the country and the credit is bound to go to the zealous and innovative young entrepreneurs. According to Jungle Ventures, Southeast Asia’s technology startups had a combined valuation of $340 billion in 2020 and this is anticipated to grow triple-fold by 2025.
India has a vast as well as diverse population that has different problem areas to solve. Startups are emerging and introducing technology as a golden saviour across every sector, be it healthcare, finance, education, HR, ecommerce and many more. Despite constantly growing challenges, entrepreneurship remains the stone of development.
As the sector rises, the key players in the sector also ride the wave. New companies and established brands both were seen among Techtors nominees this year as they looked to identify different problem areas and create relevant solutions.
The Jury Process
The jury panel for this year included Rajeev Chitrabhanu, CEO and MD, JM Financial Service; Rajesh Pathak, Country Director India and SAARC, Accedian; Abhishek Goenka, Head and CIO, RPSG Capital Venture; Parasuram P S, Independent Media Innovation and Strategy Consultant + Entrepreneur-in-residence; Ashish Sharma, Managing Partner, Innoven Capital India; Rajiv Singh, Founder and CEO, Khetifresh; Anjali Malhotra, Founder, C-Xcel Director, Founder Institute Accelerator, Delhi chapter; Phani Bhushan, Founder and CEO, AnantComputing; Harsh Wardhan, CEO, CXOE Partner LLP; Ved Shukhla, Founder and CEO, Mylomart; Hoshie Ghaswalla, CEO, BW Engage, BW Businessworld; Annurag Batra, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, BW Businessworld and Founder, exchange4media; and Noor Fathima Warsia, Group Editorial Director, BW Businessworld.
The process of finalising the winners took place under the supervision of the jury chair- Yashish Dahiya, Chairman and CEO, PB Fintech. More than 700 entries were received which were then brought down to over 300 after a screening round. Subsequently, after the second level of deliberation, a total number of 55 nominees were shortlisted and invited to present before the power-packed jury panel. Nominations received for Techtors were put through a multi-tier screening and shortlisting procedure to get the list of well-deserved winners. The jury process followed a certain set of parameters to evaluate the entries and these were the uniqueness of the tech service/product, current market value, the potential for growth and customer attraction to date.
Technology is integrated into every function of our daily lives yet each one is uniquely driving its own trajectory.