In 2026, Ira Agarwal had the privilege of representing Catalyst Women of Entrepreneurship (CWE) at the prestigious IIRIS Women Leadership and Growth Summit 2026, organized in collaboration with NITI Aayog and the Women Entrepreneurship Platform.
The summit convened distinguished policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, and ecosystem enablers to discuss the future of leadership, entrepreneurship, women empowerment, innovation, and inclusive economic growth. Representing CWE at such a high-impact platform was both an honor and an opportunity to contribute to national conversations shaping the future of entrepreneurship in India.
During the summit, Ira engaged with thought leaders and stakeholders on the importance of creating stronger entrepreneurial ecosystems that provide founders—particularly women entrepreneurs with access to mentorship, technology, market opportunities, governance support, and growth capital. The discussions reinforced the critical role of innovation, digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence, and collaborative leadership in enabling sustainable business growth.
The experience provided valuable insights into emerging policy priorities, ecosystem trends, and opportunities for strengthening support mechanisms for entrepreneurs. It also enabled meaningful engagement with government representatives, industry experts, and entrepreneurship advocates working to accelerate inclusive economic development.
For Ira, the summit represented more than participation in a leadership forum; it was an opportunity to contribute to a broader movement focused on advancing entrepreneurship, empowering women leaders, and fostering innovation-led growth. The learnings, relationships, and perspectives gained from the summit continue to inform her work in supporting founders, promoting responsible innovation, and building platforms that enable entrepreneurial success.
Key Outcomes
- Represented Catalyst Women of Entrepreneurship (CWE) at a national leadership and entrepreneurship platform.
- Contributed to discussions on leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive growth.
- Engaged with policymakers, industry leaders, ecosystem builders, and entrepreneurs.
- Gained insights into emerging trends shaping the future of entrepreneurship and women-led businesses.
- Strengthened collaborations and networks across the entrepreneurship ecosystem.
- Reinforced commitment to empowering founders through mentorship, technology adoption, governance, and innovation.
This milestone reflects Ira Agarwal’s ongoing commitment to advancing entrepreneurship, supporting women leaders, and contributing to initiatives that drive sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
