Rehnuma Sodawala creates system that enables control of devices with movement of eyes
A 21-year-old engineering student and the daughter of an auto-rickshaw driver emerged as the winner of her START programme, initiated by the Gujarat University Startup and Entrepreneurship Council (GUSEC). The programme, herSTART, aims at promoting women-led startups and support women entrepreneurs.
Rehnuma Sodawala's winning concept was that of a virtual hand — an HID (Human Interface Device) that allows one to control devices through the movement of the eyes, just like a mouse controls a pointer on a computer.
Through the virtual hand, Rehnuma, who hails from Bharuch, aims to make the disabled more independent.
Rehnuma, who studied engineering at SVMIT college in Bharuch, is no stranger to struggle, having seen difficult times throughout her childhood. Sharing her journey, she said, "We have always had financial troubles and it was extremely difficult for my father to raise me and my sibling. He could not even afford my engineering fees so I completed my studies on a student loan. During my final year, I spoke to my parents about my startup idea. They immediately agreed to support my idea in every way possible, except financially. I knew then that I had to work hard on the project and secure funds."
Rehnuma started her company, Skynet Computeronix, with her friend, Ajay Bhardwaj, in July last year with the help of initial funding of Rs 75,000 through an event organised by Gujarat Knowledge Society. "My first product was a wireless solar power bank, which charges itself with sunlight. While in college, I would often visit NGOs for project work. I had the opportunity to interact with several specially-abled people. Since then, I wanted to make something to help them. Through this product, the disabled can switch on or switch off the fan, or any other electronic devices using the movement of their eyes."
In all, five startup ideas, from among over 100 submitted by aspiring women entrepreneurs, were awarded Rs 10 lakh under the herSTART program. Over 650 participants applied for the program, out of which, 120 were selected for a two-day bootcamp. The bootcamp was followed by a pitching session, based on which, 35 ideas were selected for pre-incubation support.
THE ‘HERSTART’ PROGRAM
- In all, five startup ideas, from among over 100 submitted by aspiring women entrepreneurs, were awarded Rs 10 lakh under the herSTART program
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