C10 Labs hosts AI Hackathon to empower women in technology

In recent months, C10 Labs, a venture studio located in Cambridge, organized an AI Hackathon aimed at increasing female participation in technology and artificial intelligence. This initiative comes at a time when the tech industry is witnessing significant transformations due to AI advancements, yet remains male-dominated. Event co-founder Patricia Geli highlighted the importance of women's perspectives in shaping future enterprises, asserting that women's involvement can contribute positively both to fairness and to business success. During the hackathon, teams of participants used state-of-the-art AI tools to develop ideas or products. The winner created a healthcare tool to assist IVF clinics in predicting embryo implantation success while ensuring patient privacy. Gigi Aocaraz, the hackathon winner, emphasized the ease of learning to use AI, indicating that practical engagement with the technology is crucial for fostering skills. An accompanying study from the Center for Venture Research illustrates a gradual shift towards greater female representation in entrepreneurial spaces, noting that the percentage of female angel investors surged from 5% in 2004 to 46.7% in 2023. The rise in women-owned businesses seeking investment grew from 4.7% to nearly half of the total, showcasing the changing economic landscape in terms of gender equity in entrepreneurship. The outcomes of the hackathon reflect a broader movement to ensure that women are not just included but are leaders in tech innovation. C10 Labs co-founder Koplovitz pointed out that these developments are vital as more women with capital enter the market. Moreover, one hackathon participant, Cecilia Hermawan, developed a software company designed to tackle fashion waste through AI by connecting secondhand goods to consumers. Such initiatives highlight the role of innovative women in revolutionizing industries and creating sustainable business practices.