Prime Highlights
- IGNITE connected women entrepreneurs from India and France to encourage global partnerships and business growth.
- The Bengaluru edition will focus on building long-term cross-border business relationships and collaboration.
Key Facts
- IGNITE’s first cohort included 20 women founders working in AI, deep technology and sustainability.
- SonderConnect leads the initiative to strengthen innovation ties between India and France.
Background
The IGNITE programme has helped women entrepreneurs from India and France explore global business opportunities by creating a platform for collaboration, networking and cross-border partnerships. The first cohort in Paris brought together 10 women founders from each country working in AI, deep technology and sustainability.
The programme selected startups with proven products, active customers and the potential to grow internationally. It also reflected the growing innovation partnership between India and France.
Lathika Pai, founder of SonderConnect, said international growth starts with meaningful conversations and strong business relationships. She added that interactions with policymakers from both countries showed that women-led businesses are receiving greater policy support. According to her, such visibility helps founders connect with the right people and opens new business opportunities.
Pai said one of the biggest lessons from the programme was that the global startup ecosystem is more accessible than many founders believe. She encouraged entrepreneurs to build international networks early, join global programmes and become part of strong peer communities.
Hina Wadhwa, Director of Marketing and Admissions at École des Ponts Business School and Vice President of the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie Franco-Indienne (CCIFI), said many women founders already have strong businesses but need better access to networks, market knowledge and support to expand into France and Europe. She said the programme aims to build lasting business relationships between the two countries.
The Bengaluru edition of IGNITE will take place later this year and will introduce French founders to India’s startup ecosystem during the Bengaluru Tech Summit. SonderConnect plans to expand the initiative further and build a larger network of women entrepreneurs by 2027.
