“SC WIN Now & Next Challenge”
“SC WIN Now &
Next Challenge” Marks Milestone in
Standard Chartered and LIFTWOMEN®’ Support for Women Entrepreneurs
HKD 1
million of SC WIN grants and scholarships awarded to ten women-led businesses
Women-led tech innovator wins Grand Prize
poised for global impact
Standard Chartered and LIFTWOMEN® proudly announced
the winners of the inaugural “SC WIN Now & Next Challenge”, the
latest initiative under Standard Chartered's Women's International Network (“SC
WIN), celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of women-led startups and
small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and supporting their growth
journey through tailored resources, mentorship, and exposure opportunities. A
total of HKD 1 million in prizes was awarded to ten outstanding women-led
businesses to accelerate their ambitions and growth.
Launched in March 2025, the
programme attracted over 125 entries from women entrepreneurs in Hong Kong, all
demonstrating extraordinary vision and drive. After a competitive selection
process, ten finalists were shortlisted to join the 11-week LiftHER Global Accelerator Programme, with their final
transformational ideas pitch took place in a live finale last week.
Lamia
Sreya Rahman, Vidi Labs (Seekr)was named the Venture of the Year
Award winner in recognition of her groundbreaking work in pioneering
compact AI wearable device, developed in collaboration with the visually
impaired community. This device distinguishes itself by capturing visual data
and delivering a curated audio feed available in multiple languages,
effectively addressing a critical need through innovative technology. Four
other entrepreneurs received category awards in recognition of their
innovation, international ambition, social impact, and community support:
·Global
Growth Award:
Tata Miyamoto & Vriko Kwok, NOURWISH
·Impact & ESG Excellence
Award: Florence Chanzi, AI guided Limited
·Best Innovation Award: Choi
Pui Wah, WomenX Biotech Limited
·People’s
Choice Award: Choi Pui Wah WomenX Biotech Limited
In addition to awards and
exposure, winners will continue to receive dedicated mentorship and access to
regional networking opportunities through the SC WIN Community.
Mary Huen, CEO, Hong Kong and Greater China
& North Asia, Standard Chartered, said, “Standard
Chartered is committed to empowering SMEs, especially the women-led
enterprises, by highlighting success, providing transformational training and
unlocking potential. Through ‘SC WIN Now & Next Challenge’, we recognise
and celebrate the remarkable vision and innovation of women entrepreneurs. This
initiative is beyond a competition, it is a catalyst for building a vibrant and
inclusive business ecosystem where talent flourishes without boundaries. Amid
an increasingly complex business environment, Standard Chartered will continue
to support the SME sector in different ways to maintain their competitive edge
and sustain future economic growth.
Xie
Wen, Global Head of SME Banking, Standard Chartered,
said, “Women-led SMEs continue to adapt strategies to tackle funding and growth
complexities. SC WIN was created to address these barriers by providing
tailored funding, expert guidance, and expansive networks to empower women
entrepreneurs. Since its launch, the initiative has delivered over USD 400
million in financing to 3,800 women-led businesses across seven markets. Almost
all finalists considered social and/or environmental impact of their solutions,
or embedded ESG values in their business, reflecting today’s business
standards. We are committed to supporting their sustainable growth and
contribution to long-term economic progress.
Since
its launch in 2023, SC WIN has expanded from a single-market initiative into seven
markets, with a clear commitment to extend USD 1 billion in financing to women
entrepreneurs globally by 2028. The programme is dedicated to addressing key
challenges faced by women-led businesses—such as access to finance, expanding
networks, and unleashing growth potential—while fostering cross-border
collaboration and strengthening long-term resilience. Riding on its momentum, SC WIN
aims to scale further into other Asian markets, enabling even greater
opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
