Science & Tech Entrepreneurship

You can watch the whole conversation here and see all of our TechConnects on our website. 

Photo courtesy of University of Arizona Center for Innovation

At last year's GIST Tech-I Pitch Competition, we had a chance to talk with Dr. Iffat Zafar of Sehat Kahani about her startup, being a GIST Entrepreneur, paying-it-forward by being a GIST Mentor to new generations, and the role GIST plays in startup ecosystems. 

Innovation Hubs, or IHubs, are designed to build strong and vibrant networks of young science and technology entrepreneurs around the world. The Hubs are created in partnership with local startup incubators. For the participating incubators, IHub offers another avenue to support their entrepreneurs. 

We sat down with Sehat Kahani co-founder, and GIST alumna, Dr. Iffat Zafar to discuss all the new and exciting developments for her as well as her work. 

GIST: Tell us about your startup, Sehat Kahani.

Forest Guard is a smart sensor system that detects and prevents illegal logging, wildfire, and illegal transport access in forests and rest zones. 

Nearly 30 science and technology entrepreneurs from emerging economies concluded their participation in the new GIST Business Incubation program during the GIST Business Incubation Showcase and Reception held on November 21 at the Halcyon incubator in Washington, D.C.

As part of the new GIST Business Incubation program, nearly 30 innovative science and technology entrepreneurs representing startups from emerging economies have been working at 10 U.S.-based incubators to learn how to expand their businesses into the United States market. The entrepreneurs have also been making connections with key ecosystem stakeholders, refining their business ideas, building their business plans, and conducting customer discovery. 

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at some program activities.