Breaking Barriers: How Women-Led Deep-Tech Startups Are Transforming South Africa
In the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), women have historically faced barriers to entry, funding challenges, and limited representation. But in South Africa, a new wave of women-led deep-tech and hardware startups is rewriting the narrative.From biotech innovations to advanced medical prosthetics and assistive technologies, these trailblazers are proving that deep tech isn’t just for men. And thanks to initiatives like International Women’s Day (IWD), their contributions are gaining well-deserved recognition.Let’s explore how these inspiring women are driving cutting-edge innovation in South Africa’s deep-tech ecosystem.
Women at the Forefront of Deeptech Innovation
South Africa has seen an increase in women-led startups in hardware and deep tech, with female entrepreneurs tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges. Here are some of the most exciting companies leading the charge:
- iMed Tech – Founded by Nneile Nkholise, this startup designs custom medical prosthetics using advanced 3D printing technology. Her work is revolutionizing affordable, personalized healthcare solutions in Africa.
- Hyrax Biosciences – Co-founded by Imogen Wright, Hyrax developed Exatype, a cutting-edge tool that analyzes HIV DNA to detect drug resistance, helping doctors create personalized treatments.
- SmartBlade – Dr. Caroline Corbett co-founded this life-saving medtech startup, which created a video laryngoscope that uses a smartphone app to assist medical practitioners with intubation, especially in remote or resource-limited settings.
- Featherlinx – Founded by Meagan Chauke, this Pretoria-based company develops assistive tech solutions for individuals with disabilities, improving accessibility and inclusivity.
These startups aren’t just competing in South Africa’s innovation space—they’re shaping the future of global deep tech.
The Funding Struggle: Why Women-Led Startups Need More Investment
One of the greatest challenges for women in deep tech is access to funding. In South Africa, less than 2% of venture capital funding is allocated to female-led startups, significantly limiting their growth potential. Even when their businesses demonstrate stronger financial performance, women founders are still less likely to secure major investments compared to their male counterparts. This funding gap not only restricts opportunities for female entrepreneurs but also slows innovation in deep-tech.
Initiatives like International Women’s Day (IWD) are crucial in addressing this disparity. IWD advocates for gender-inclusive funding opportunities encourage VC firms and investors to support women-led STEM startups and showcases successful female founders to shift investor perceptions and break down biases in the industry.
Examples are:
The Build Programme, a structured, six-month investment readiness accelerator designed to support early-stage, high-growth ventures, in the hardware technology and deep-tech sectors. The programme is structured to support startups validate their business models, strengthen their investment case, and position themselves for commercial scale-up.
The GrindstoneX Accelerator focuses on boosting investment readiness for female-led startups.
More investment in women-led startups means more breakthroughs in deep tech. By ensuring greater access to funding, South Africa can unlock transformative innovation and economic growth driven by female entrepreneurs.
The Role of International Women’s Day in STEM Entrepreneurship
International Women’s Day (IWD) is more than just a celebration of achievements—it’s a movement for real change. While recognizing the incredible contributions of women in STEM, IWD also focuses on breaking barriers and creating opportunities for female entrepreneurs in deep tech.
One of its key priorities is advocating for gender equity in venture funding, ensuring that more women-led startups gain access to the capital they need to scale. Additionally, IWD plays a crucial role in highlighting role models and mentors for aspiring female STEM founders, providing inspiration and guidance for the next generation. Beyond funding and mentorship, IWD also pushes for policy reforms that support women in deep-tech entrepreneurship, helping to create a more inclusive and sustainable innovation ecosystem.
Several initiatives are already making a tangible impact in this space:
The WomHub & Visa Foundation’s “STEM is Everywhere” Programme provides mentorship and business development support for female-led STEM startups, empowering women to turn their ideas into thriving businesses.
Similarly, Cisco EDGE Centres offer business mentoring and technological resources to help women-led STEM startups navigate the challenges of scaling their ventures.
The Future of Women in Deeptech
As South Africa’s deep-tech ecosystem continues to evolve, women-led startups are poised to play an even greater role in shaping the industry’s future. The next phase of growth will require increased investment in women-led STEM startups, ensuring that female founders have the financial backing they need to scale and commercialize their innovations.
Beyond funding, stronger mentorship networks and deep-tech incubators will be essential in providing women with the guidance, industry connections, and technical support necessary to thrive. Additionally, policy reforms ensuring equal opportunities in research and tech commercialization can help create a more level playing field, allowing more women to break into traditionally male-dominated sectors.
Looking ahead, we can expect to see more women leading the way in AI, biotech, and space tech innovations, tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges with cutting-edge solutions.
Final Thoughts
From medical innovations to biotech breakthroughs, women-led startups are transforming South Africa’s deep-tech landscape. Thanks to initiatives like International Women’s Day, female founders are gaining more funding, mentorship, and visibility—but there is still much more work to be done.
The future of deep-tech is diverse, inclusive, and female-driven. By supporting, investing in, and celebrating women in STEM, we can unlock groundbreaking innovations that will shape the future of technology in South Africa and beyond.
