India’s Largest Women-Only Hackathon is Back

Entrepreneur World
14 Min Read

Women comprise only 37% of India’s workforce – the number is even lesser in Tech. Even though the gender disparity in tech is improving with time; while women are entering the tech workforce in high numbers, it remains challenging for them to stay – with extreme pay gaps, lack of mentors and hostile work policies. MetaMorph, a 360-degree HR advisory firm, saw the utmost need to fix this gap.

With two successful sessions in Mumbai and Bengaluru – Chhalaang 3.0, India’s largest women-only hackathon, Brand & Event Sponsor Deutsche Telekom Digital Labs & Co-brand Sponsor HighLevel, is coming to Gurgaon in September 2024. 350+ women in tech, multiple problem statements and tech companies that are passionate about diversity – all under one roof in India’s capital city. The energy and innovation at our past events were simply electrifying, and we’re thrilled about what’s in store for Gurgaon!

Women in tech can register here: https://tinyurl.com/Chhalaang3

Prize Pool: Rs. 7 Lakhs

Participating Companies: Deutsche Telekom Digital Labs, HighLevel, Licious, Alt Mobility, DMI Finance

Goodies Sponsors:  Plix, Purplle, Luzo, Nua, Neemans, The Good Glam Group, Turtlemint

Digital Media Partner: HerCircle

Prize Sponsors: Women In Tech India & Annalect

Sanam, Founding Partner at Metamorph notes, “With Chhalaang 3.0, we’re setting a new benchmark for women’s representation in tech. This initiative is about more than closing the gender gap—it’s about rewriting the narrative entirely. Hosting this in Delhi-NCR, a city that pulses with innovation and drive, allows us to amplify the voices of women ready to lead the future of technology.”

Swati, core team, acquisition & DEI at Metamorph, also shared, “Chhalaang 3.0 embodies the power of diversity as a catalyst for change. This isn’t just an event; it’s a movement that challenges the status quo and celebrates the potential of women in tech. By choosing Delhi-NCR as our venue, we’re aligning our mission with a city that’s as dynamic and multifaceted as the women we aim to empower.”

With Chhalaang 3.0 – we want to provide more opportunities to these women in the tech workforce or those returning, giving them the platform they deserve.

About MetaMorph:

MetaMorph isn’t your typical HR firm. We’re a 360° HR Advisory firm dedicated to helping startups scale, evolve, and grow. We’ve helped more than 220 startups and multiple hires (and counting), providing them with the platform and opportunities they deserve.

Explore our range of HR services tailored to the unique needs of Indian startups, including talent acquisition, DEI hiring, and employer branding. MetaMorph can help you attract, retain, and empower your most valuable asset – your people.

Participating Companies for Chhalaang 3.0:

  1. Deutsche Telekom Digital Labs (Brand & Venue Sponsor): Deutsche Telekom Digital Labs is a premier product innovation hub within the telecommunications giant, Deutsche Telekom. They are dedicated to creating cutting-edge digital products that transform the way people connect and interact with each other. Nihar Mathur, Head of People and Culture, notes, “In a world where diversity is increasingly recognised as a key driver of innovation and business performance, only 49% of companies hold their leaders accountable for DEIB outcomes. At DT Digital Labs, we’ve been pioneers in creating a gender-inclusive culture since our inception. Our journey is a testament to our belief that DEIB isn’t just a moral compass, but a strategic imperative. Research shows that diverse teams outperform homogenous ones by up to 35%. By embedding DEIB into our leadership DNA, we’re not just building a better company, we’re shaping a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to their fullest potential.”
  2. HighLevel (Co-brand Sponsor): HighLevel is an All-in-One Sales and Marketing Platform that will give you the tools, support and resources you need to succeed and crush your marketing goals. Kiran Raparti, VP of Engineering at HighLevel, expressed, “Our way of working ingrains inclusion. We believe inclusion is the key to unlocking the full potential of every team. For us, inclusion means bringing diverse minds together to create innovative solutions that drive us all forward. In partnership with Chhalaang, we are seeking the help of talented and creative women in our journey to create the next-generation SaaS platform.”
  3. Licious: Country’s largest direct-to-consumer fresh meat, seafood, and gourmet meat brand. Licious is India’s First D2C Unicorn – with 6000+ Licians & spread across 25+ cities. Abhay Hanjura, Founder at Licious, said, “I’ve always wondered why there are so few women in engineering and tech… given women are at the centre of all the marvellous human engineering and making the world we live in full of exceptional care & detailing. It’s about time they actively participate in shaping the future of tech and engineering in India and beyond. I’m extremely excited about this initiative and hope that this initiative is the first of many such initiatives in the future :).” Licious is also a prize sponsor for the event.
  4. Alt Mobility: Alt Mobility is a tech-enabled platform for electric vehicle (EV) leasing and lifecycle management – providing a cost-effective and streamlined solution for electric fleet operations. Anju Rohilla, Human Resource Manager expressed: “At Alt Mobility, we believe that diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our success. By participating in Chhalaang 3.0, we aim to inspire and empower women in tech to push boundaries and reach new heights.”
  5. DMI Finance: Founded in 2008, DMI Finance leverages advanced analytics and AI to craft personalised financial solutions, enhancing access and inclusion for underserved communities.

What To Expect:

  • 5 Leading Companies
  • 10,000+ Applicants
  • 300+ Finalists
  • 12hr+ Hackathon

Women developers, designers, and problem-solvers with 3-8 years of experience will come together, showcasing brilliant minds from all corners of India. You’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with tech leaders who are deeply passionate about innovation and ready to push the boundaries of what’s possible. We will also have industry leaders joining us as Technical Mentors to guide the hackathon participants through their problem statements – and esteemed Jury Members to evaluate the final results.

Throughout the event, we’ll also host AMA sessions on diversity, promoting inclusivity in tech as much as possible.

Prize Sponsors

Women In Tech & Annalect have come together as prize sponsors to empower the women in tech

The India chapter of Women in Tech is part of the global Women in Tech® movement, which aims to close the gender gap in technology by empowering women through education, advocacy, business, and digital inclusion. The India chapter focuses on supporting women across the country in embracing careers in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), offering resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help women thrive in the tech industry.

Annalect is a data-driven marketing solutions provider within Omnicom Media Group, offering services that combine data, technology, and analytics to drive business outcomes. Annalect works with leading global brands to enhance their marketing strategies through innovative, data-centric approaches.

Devya Patney, Chief People and Culture Officer at Annalect India expressed her excitement about this partnership:

“At Annalect India, diversity, equity, and inclusion are the foundational principles that guide us towards creating an environment where every voice is heard, valued, and respected. We believe in more than just representation which is why we have moved ahead from DEI. Our philosophy is a comprehensive integration of Accessibility, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (A.B.I.D.E.). We are at our best when we acknowledge, honour, and support each other, and this goes a long way to drive innovation and progress.

Sponsoring Chhalaang 3.0 is an extension of our belief and commitment to empowering young women in technology, providing them with opportunities to shine and make their mark in the industry. It’s inspiring to see so many talented young women ready to take the field with such energy and passion, and we are proud to cheer them on! We aim to carve out a safe space for them, where they openly share their ideas, own their careers, and receive the recognition they truly deserve.”

Goodies Sponsors:

  • Plix: Healthy habits are key to staying sharp and energised during a hackathon. Our goodies sponsor offers a fun and effective way to incorporate plant-based superfoods into your routine. From delicious gummies to effervescent fizzies, Plix makes healthy snacking a breeze.
  • Purplle: Let’s face it, feeling confident and put-together can be a powerful boost. Purplle is India’s leading omnichannel beauty destination and will be providing Chhalaang participants with a treasure trove of beauty essentials from top brands, so you can look and feel your best throughout the event.
  • Luzo: The hustle doesn’t stop at Chhalaang, but that doesn’t mean you can’t prioritise self-care. Luzo is a curated marketplace of premium salons and spas. With their user-friendly app, you can easily schedule appointments, explore a variety of services, and unwind after a long day of hacking. Anurag Dave, Founder notes,“At Luzo, we’re committed to making self-care accessible. Our partnership with Chhalaang 3.0 is a step towards fostering inclusivity and supporting the growth of women in the startup ecosystem. We’re proud to contribute to this impactful initiative.”
  • Nua: Nua is a new-age femtech brand transforming the women’s wellness space in India. As our official wellness partner, Nua is dedicated to creating safe, innovative, inclusive and effective products that are Made Safe Certified and backed by science. Nameeta Saigal, Head Of Marketing, remarked, “Nua is excited to be Chalaang’s Wellness Partner for the women-only hackathon. As a brand dedicated to menstrual wellness, we are excited to support Chalaang’s mission to increase women’s representation in this cutting-edge space, while providing tailored period care solutions for their unique period needs.”
  • Neemans: Neeman’s, India’s pioneer in sustainable footwear, is proudly sponsoring our goodies for Chhalaang 3.0! They are India’s first shoe brand to craft footwear using natural, renewable, and sustainable fibres like merino wool. Get ready to experience style, comfort, and eco-friendliness all in one package, courtesy of Neeman’s.
  • The Good Glamm Group: The Good Glamm Group, India’s top beauty and personal care conglomerate, is our proud goodies sponsor for Chhalaang 3.0! With a focus on innovation and sustainability, they offer high-quality products ranging from cosmetics to skincare, catering to modern consumers through both online and offline channels. Expect premium beauty products that combine innovation and sustainability, all thanks to The Good Glamm Group.
  • Turtlemint: Turtlemint is an insuretech platform empowering insurance advisors with digital tools to recommend the right insurance products to their clients. With Chhalaang 3.0, they’re bringing the same energy to fuel our hackathon journey!

Digital Media Partner:

We’re excited to announce HerCircle as our official digital media partner for Chhalaang 3.0! HerCircle, founded by Nita M Ambani is India’s No.1 networking platform for women and is dedicated to empowering women through inspiring stories, expert advice, and a vibrant community. As our digital media partner, HerCircle will bring valuable insights, amplify the voices of women in tech, and help us promote diversity and inclusion throughout the event. “At Her Circle, we are thrilled to partner with Chhalaang 3.0 as the Digital Media Partner. The collaboration aligns with our vision to support and encourage women in tech by providing them with the right platform and opportunities. In a world where the presence of women in STEM is more imperative today than ever, an initiative like Chhalaang addresses the gender gap by fostering innovation and excellence in science and technology,” states Tanya Chaitanya, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, Her Circle.

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