Honeywell India recently hosted its flagship event, ‘LeadHERS in Tech,’ at its Bengaluru campus, marking a significant step in empowering women to lead in the technology sector. The event, which saw over 200 female technology professionals in attendance, served as a dynamic platform for innovators, thought leaders, and change-makers to celebrate the pivotal role women play in driving advancements and shaping the future of technology.
Anant Maheshwari, President & CEO of Global Regions at Honeywell, set the tone with a keynote address emphasizing the critical importance of diverse perspectives in technological development. He highlighted that women are not only contributing to current breakthroughs but are also essential in shaping the next era of innovation. He stressed the need for increased empowerment of women in leadership positions and underscored the impact of initiatives like ‘LeadHERS in Tech’ in providing the necessary platform for women to influence the industry’s future.
A fireside chat featuring Ashish Modi, President of Honeywell India, and Niranjan Kalyandurg, President of Honeywell Technology Solutions, delved into the significance of male allyship in fostering a more inclusive workplace. They underscored the importance of mentorship and sponsorship in advancing women’s careers within the technology sector. The discussion also addressed gender biases and advocated for training programs designed to mitigate unconscious biases. Both leaders encouraged women to be bold, vocal, and active participants in shaping the direction of technological advancements.
The event also featured a panel discussion titled “Breaking Barriers in Tech: Stories of Resilience and Innovation.” This session brought together industry leaders from diverse companies. Speakers included Latha Chemrakalam (Continental), Sidharth Balachandran (Airbus Innovation Centre), Ashwini Siddhi (GoDaddy), and Sumedha Limaye (Quest Global). These leaders shared their insights on how women are breaking down traditional barriers and leading innovative approaches in their respective fields.
Adding inspiration to the event, Vandana Suri, founder of TAXSHE (India’s women-only taxi service), and Nisha Millet, a former Olympic swimmer, shared their personal stories.
‘LeadHERS in Tech’ also showcased the ‘InnovateHER contest,’ in which women-led teams presented tech-driven solutions to real-world problems. This portion of the event highlighted the power of diverse perspectives in problem-solving and the vital role women are playing in the innovation landscape. Attendees also participated in specialized masterclasses and toured the Honeywell Experience Center, learning about company innovations in areas from aviation to energy transition, along with a showcase of Honeywell’s diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Anita Vijaykrishnan, VP of Engineering and India Leader at Honeywell Technology Solutions, summed up the event’s spirit: “Women in tech are just solving problems—they are shaping the future. ‘LeadHERS in Tech’ marks the beginning of a transformative journey, serving as a call to action to inspire and empower women across the tech industry. At Honeywell, we recognize women’s leadership in every breakthrough and are proud to support and elevate their capabilities and contributions. Our mission is to continue fostering an environment where women-led innovations can thrive and lead the way forward.”
Honeywell reinforced its strategic commitment to women’s empowerment and technical leadership through its groundbreaking solutions. Across multiple domains, the company has developed innovative solutions. In building automation, the company has enhanced communication technologies which has enabled cost-effective, high-speed networks. For fire safety, Honeywell’s IoT solutions provide real-time alerts, remote monitoring, and smarter evacuation processes. In industrial automation and energy transition, its advanced Protonium suite optimizes green hydrogen production, improving efficiency and cutting costs in sectors like cement and steel.
Through the ‘LeadHERS in Tech’ initiative, Honeywell continues to champion gender diversity and inclusion, underlining the essential role women play in the future of technology.
