The gender gap in stem entrepreneurship: women, challenges and interventions

Abstract

This paper examines the persistent gender gap in STEM entrepreneurship in India, focusing on the structural and cultural barriers that hinder women from fully participating in innovation-driven enterprises. Using a combination of secondary data analysis from national entrepreneurship reports, policy frameworks, empirical data and qualitative case studies of women-led STEM startups, this study highlights successful interventions, including government initiatives, corporate incubators, and educational reforms that promote women-led innovation and identifies key challenges such as societal biases, limited access to funding, and insufficient policy support. The research is placed within the framework of the Viksit Bharat 2047 strategic blueprint, which recognizes gender inclusion as essential to holistic national development. The paper argues that targeted interventions and policies to empower women entrepreneurs in STEM will not only reduce the gender gap but also drive innovation and economic growth, contributing significantly to India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. It proposes actionable strategies to promote inclusive STEM entrepreneurship. The paper aligns its findings with the theme, arguing that empowering women in STEM is crucial to achieving a self-reliant, innovation-driven, and equitable economy. Recommendations include gender-responsive venture capital policies, STEM education incentives for girls, and public-private partnerships to bridge the gap, ensuring women contribute equitably to India’s technological and entrepreneurial future.