On Thursday, 18th December 2025, the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow became a hub of innovation as it hosted the state-level event on Livelihood-Centric Technologies for Promotion of Women-Led Entrepreneurship in Uttar Pradesh. Organised under TAP-RISE (Technology Acceleration Platform for Rural Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship), the event aimed to bridge the gap between technological innovation and grassroots societal impact.

The initiative is supported by the SEED Division of the Department of Science and Technology and implemented by Development Alternatives and Vigyan Ashram. It brought together a diverse audience comprising government agencies, technology innovators, women entrepreneurs, and sector experts.

Chief Guest Smt. Deepa Ranjan, IAS, Mission Director, UPSRLM, shared her vision of enabling Lakhpati Didis to move beyond existing limits and become Crorepati Didis. She noted that over one crore women entrepreneurs from Uttar Pradesh are part of the UPSRLM programme and emphasised that a clear vision and a strong entrepreneurial mindset are essential for building successful enterprises.

A central focus of the day was an all-day exhibition showcasing innovative livelihood-centric technologies designed for local conditions. Displayed solutions included the Biomass Cookstove and Solar Fridge by SPRERI, the Solar Hydro Distiller by IIT Bombay, the Sabjee Cooler by RuKart, and the Multi-purpose Food Processor by Kisaan Dharambir. These technologies demonstrated practical pathways for value addition and cost reduction, enabling women to convert local opportunities into viable enterprises.

Kanika Verma, Executive Vice President, Development Alternatives, highlighted Development Alternatives’ Mission One Million Livelihoods, which focuses on ensuring that women not only become self-reliant but also create employment opportunities for at least two other women through a single enterprise. This approach strengthens local livelihoods and contributes to community-based economic growth. The convergence of science and rural enterprise systems illustrated how technological innovations can translate into sustainable livelihoods and resilient enterprises across the state.

The event served as more than a showcase; it reflected the transformative potential of placing sustainable technologies directly in the hands of women. It laid a strong foundation for a decentralised economic shift across Uttar Pradesh. As participating entrepreneurs return to their communities to scale their ventures and mentor others, they carry with them the promise of a future where rural innovation and social equity go hand in hand. The event marks a pivotal step towards turning the vision of widespread, women-led prosperity into a lasting and scalable reality for the state’s rural economy.