Standard Chartered Bank awards team cubbies $30,000 for winning inaugural women entrepreneurs program
on 30 Apr 2015Winning Pitch Proposed American Made Cloth Diapers Derived From Bamboo for Greater Affordability and Environmental Sustainability
Applications for 2015-2016 Program Kicks Off in September
30 April 2015, New York — Standard Chartered Bank today announced the successful completion of the 2014-2015 segment of its Technology Incubator for Women Entrepreneurs at the Zahn Innovation Center.
A panel of judges which comprised of leaders from government, academia and the business world selected Cubbies Bamboo Diapers from six semi-finalist teams in the program. The winning team’s idea was to make sustainable cloth diapering convenient, affordable, and environmentally friendly by using bamboo based products. Cubbies Bamboo Diapers is now in the phase of exploring how to launch their business to the market.The incubator program encouraged a spectrum of ideas which included a method to iodize salt in Haiti; a convenient way to monitor and save energy; and a service for new immigrants to find schools for their children.
“We are pleased to partner with the Zahn Center and City College on an initiative to create opportunities for women and to enhance New York’s position as a technology hub. The program’s introduction has seen women participation at Zahn Center increase from 17% to 38%,” said Julio Rojas, CEO, Standard Chartered Americas. “We believe in the value of diversity and are delighted to see so many talented women students participating in this entrepreneurship initiative, showcasing innovation and energy. Congratulations to all the participants for their dedication and the skills demonstrated. They are an inspiration, and exemplify what this talented and diverse student population can do.”
Over the past few years, the Zahn Center’s teams have generated revenues of almost $1 million, filed 12 provisional patents, and generated over 60 full and part-time jobs. City College student-led startups leverage new technology to develop solutions for a range of industries, including healthcare, music and education.
“The Zahn Center and Standard Chartered programs exemplify what Governor Cuomo is fighting for: creating jobs for New Yorkers, developing a diverse and talented workforce and making New York a hub for innovation,” said Rachel Haot, New York State’s Deputy Secretary of Technology and Chief Digital Officer. “I am glad to serve as a judge and see first-hand the creativity and innovation of the City College student body.”
“City College is a jewel of the CUNY system and the City is glad that the Zahn Center and Standard Chartered Bank are doing their part to support innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Minerva Tantoco, the City of New York’s Chief Technology Office. “Mayor de Blasio is doing his part, our Tech Talent Pipeline is giving New Yorkers the skills and access that they need to succeed in a 21st century economy.”
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For further information please contact:
Chris Teo
Head of Corporate and Business Communications, Americas
Standard Chartered
+1 212 667 0446 (office)
+1 347 583 7136 (Cell)
chris.teo@sc.com