Standard Chartered and LIFTWOMEN® have announced the winners of the inaugural “SC WIN Now & Next Challenge”, an initiative that celebrates and supports women-led startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The program, launched in March 2025, attracted over 125 entries from women entrepreneurs in Hong Kong, with ten finalists selected to participate in the 11-week LiftHER Global Accelerator Programme.
The winners were awarded a total of HKD 1 million in prizes to accelerate their growth and ambitions. The Venture of the Year Award went to Lamia Sreya Rahman, founder of Vidi Labs (Seekr), for her groundbreaking work in developing a compact AI wearable device that captures visual data and delivers a curated audio feed in multiple languages. This device was developed in collaboration with the visually impaired community and addresses a critical need through innovative technology.
In addition to the Venture of the Year Award, four other entrepreneurs received category awards. The Global Growth Award was given to Tata Miyamoto and Vriko Kwok, co-founders of NOURWISH, in recognition of their international ambition. The Impact & ESG Excellence Award was awarded to Florence Chanzi, founder of AI Guided Limited, for her social impact and commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) excellence. The Best Innovation Award and the People’s Choice Award both went to Choi Pui Wah, founder of WomenX Biotech Limited, in recognition of her innovative approach and community support.
The “SC WIN Now & Next Challenge” is part of Standard Chartered’s Women’s International Network (SC WIN), which aims to support the growth and development of women-led businesses through tailored resources, mentorship, and exposure opportunities. The program demonstrates Standard Chartered’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs and promoting diversity and inclusion in the business community. By providing funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities, the program helps women-led startups and SMEs to overcome challenges and achieve their goals, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of the economy.