Podcast
Ctrl.Alt.Thrive Podcast by Navneet
Hosted by Navneet Kaur · EN
Ctrl.Alt.Thrive is the media vertical of TechThrive Ventures a global business and technology podcast and community connecting founders, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, policymakers, and ecosystem leaders shaping the future of innovation.
With listeners across 90+ countries and a cross-platform reach of 3M+, Ctrl.Alt.Thrive is fast emerging as a leading voice in the global tech ecosystem.
Founded by Navneet Kaur, Founder & Managing Partner at TechThrive Ventures and FemTech India the platform sits at the intersection of capital, culture, and conversation. Whether you're building, leading, or investing in the future of technology, this is your space to learn, unlearn, and thrive.
23episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Inside the $50M Mission to Reduce Stillbirths | Sarah Stock | Wellcome leap
5d ago00:34:13Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I am joined by Sarah Stock, Professor and Consultant in Maternal and Fetal Health, and one of the leading global voices in stillbirth and preterm birth research. Sarah’s work spans laboratory science, clinical trials, and large-scale international data-driven research focused on improving outcomes for mothers and babies worldwide.Sarah earned her MD from Manchester University Medical School and her PhD in Reproductive Biology from the University of Edinburgh, later completing specialist and subspecialist Maternal and Fetal Medicine training across Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, and Australia.Sarah currently serves as Program Director at Wellcome Leap, where she leads the $50M In Utero program an ambitious initiative aiming to reduce stillbirth rates by 50% by building scalable technologies that can measure, monitor, and predict fetal development in real time.Stillbirth affects more than 2 million families every year roughly one baby every 16 seconds yet it remains one of the most overlooked global health challenges. In this conversation, we explore why pregnancy care has remained largely unchanged for decades, how emerging technologies could transform maternal and fetal care, and where founders and innovators can create meaningful impact.In this episode, we discuss:• Sarah’s journey into maternal–fetal medicine and stillbirth research• Why stillbirth continues to be a neglected global health crisis• The vision behind Wellcome Leap’s In Utero program• How the ARPA-style innovation model differs from traditional research funding• Technologies needed to measure placental, maternal, and fetal health at scale• Wearables, AI, biomarkers, and the future of pregnancy monitoring• Challenges founders face in women’s health and maternal care• How Wellcome Leap supports breakthrough innovation beyond funding alone• The biggest market opportunities in women’s health over the next 3–5 years• What success looks like for the future of maternal healthcare• How founders and researchers can engage with the ecosystemIf you're a founder, investor, researcher, healthcare leader, or someone passionate about women’s health innovation, this episode offers an inside look at one of the biggest opportunities to reshape the future of healthcare.This episode is brought to you in partnership with FemTech India a global women’s health ecosystem building and scaling startups to close the gender gap in emerging markets like India.Disclaimer: The content shared in this episode is intended for general awareness and discussion purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal health decisions. ©️TechThrive Ventures. All rights reserved.Newsletter - https://techthrivenewsletter.beehiiv.com/Sarah Stock - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stock-92605449/Wellcome Leap $50M Utero program - https://wellcomeleap.org/inutero/ Connect with us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctrl.alt.thrive.podcast/ Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@Ctrlaltthrive/videosConnect with Navneet Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/navneet-kaur-80109b227/Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/nav_neeetkaur/
Transcribe →Turning Period Blood Into Diagnostic Data I Qvin, CEO Mads Lillelund
Apr 500:40:02Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Navneet sits down with Mads Lillelund, CEO of Qvin, the company behind the world's first FDA-cleared diagnostic menstrual pad. Qvin turns menstrual blood one of medicine's most discarded and dismissed biological samples into clinical-grade diagnostic data. The pad currently detects biomarkers for diabetes (A1C), cervical cancer (HPV), endometriosis, STIs, ovarian cancer, and fertility, all non-invasively, all from a single use at home. In Stanford and Roche validation studies, Qvin detected 10% more HPV cases than the gold-standard pap smear. Mads brings over two decades of experience across enterprise tech, Fortune 500 companies, and high-growth startups into one of the most underfunded sectors in healthcare. His mission: to lead a Diagnostic Revolution by closing the gender data gap and making needle-free diagnostics accessible to the 1.8 billion people who menstruate worldwide including the 500 million experiencing period poverty.In this conversation, we go deep into:How Qvin is tackling some of the most overlooked and urgent challenges in women’s healthWhat it really takes to navigate FDA clearance for a category-defining, first-of-its-kind productWhy the gender data gap remains one of the most dangerous blind spots in modern healthcareThe future of needle-free diagnostics and what it means for 1.8 billion women worldwideHow breakthrough innovation can scale across underserved and resource-constrained marketsWhat it means to lead as a male CEO in a space historically underfunded and overlookedThe complexity of building equitable pricing models in low-resource settingsThe realities of raising capital in FemTech and the systemic gender imbalance in venture fundingTune in to explore what happens if Qvin succeeds at scale a future where diagnostics are fundamentally redefined, where menstruation is no longer stigmatized but standardized in medicine, and where access to care is not determined by geography or income.This episode is brought to you in partnership with FemTech India a global women’s health ecosystem building and scaling startups to close the gender gap in emerging markets like India.Disclaimer: The content shared in this episode is intended for general awareness and discussion purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal health decisions. ©️TechThrive Ventures. All rights reserved.Newsletter - https://techthrivenewsletter.beehiiv.com/Qvin - https://qvin.com/Mads Lillelund - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mads-lillelund-9701278/Connect with us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctrl.alt.thrive.podcast/ Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@Ctrlaltthrive/videosConnect with Navneet Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/navneet-kaur-80109b227/Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/nav_neeetkaur/
Transcribe →How She Built A Tech Company In Bhutan | Leki Choden
Mar 1000:43:30Tap to summarizeIn this episode Navneet Kaur, Founding Partner at TechThrive Ventures and Founder of FemTech India sits down with Leki Choden, Founder and CEO of Dragon Coders, a Bhutan-based software and digital solutions company working at the intersection of emerging technologies, skills development, and local innovation ecosystems.Leki is one of the most compelling voices in South Asian tech building a private technology company in a market where trust in private innovation is still being established, mentoring the next generation of Bhutanese technologists, and bringing a distinctly Bhutanese perspective to global conversations on AI ethics, including the India AI Impact Summit 2026.In this conversation, we cover:- Founding Dragon Coders: the problem Leki set out to solve. - Building trust in private tech in Bhutan's evolving ecosystem. - What Bhutan's startup ecosystem looks like today. - Bhutan's perspective at the India AI Impact Summit 2026. - Women in tech: who applies and who holds back. - Where real change begins for women in technology. - Funding Dragon Coders: how financial systems fail tech businesses. - Why locally grounded AI matters more than global generic models. - Government-led AI in Bhutan: moving from policy to impact. - What meaningful progress for women in Bhutan's tech ecosystem looks like in 10 years. - Rapid fire round. This episode is brought to you in partnership with UNESCO Women for Ethical AI South Asian Chapter.If you are building in emerging markets, working at the intersection of AI and culture, or simply want to hear what ethical innovation sounds like when it is rooted in lived reality this conversation is for you.©️TechThrive Ventures. All rights reserved.Newsletter - https://techthrivenewsletter.beehiiv.com/UNESCO ethical AI recommendations - https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000381137Leki Choden - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leki-choden-605ab829/Connect with us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctrl.alt.thrive.podcast/ Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@Ctrlaltthrive/videosConnect with Navneet Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/navneet-kaur-80109b227/Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/nav_neeetkaur/
Transcribe →AI Dreams & Futures: Gen Z’s Take on Building Ethical AI
Dec 400:46:39Tap to summarizeIn this episode, in partnership with UNESCO #W4EAI, I sit down with young AI innovators Pranav Sridhar, AI engineer at IIT Madras & Sarvam AI, and design experts Anuhya Mahesh and Aditya Sonwane from Srishti School of Art, Design Bangalore. As winners of a hackathon focused on anti-harassment technology, they share their journey of building AI tools that make a real impact, their hopes and concerns for an AI-powered future, and the ethical and environmental challenges they navigate as the next generation of tech creators.What you’ll hear in this episode:The story behind their winning hackathon project: what it does, why it matters, and how it tackles harassment and bystander behavior.Personal reflections from the team on how gender, perspective, and empathy shaped their approach to technology.A deep dive into AI’s role in understanding human emotions can machines ever really step into sensitive human spaces?Gen Z’s hopes and concerns about an AI-driven future from excitement about innovation to anxieties about jobs, trust, and societal impact.Ethical and environmental considerations in AI development, and how young creators navigate these trade-offs.A rapid-fire round where the team defines ethical AI, shares lessons learned, and envisions the AI future they want to see for their communities.Tune in to hear how the next generation is shaping AI not just as engineers or programmers, but as thoughtful, ethical, and deeply human creators.©️2025 TechThrive Ventures. All rights reserved.Watch full episode on YouTube Newsletter - https://techthrivenewsletter.beehiiv.com/UNESCO ethical AI recommendations - https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000381137• Pranav Sridhar - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pranav-sridhar-b32743258/• Anuhya Mahesh - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anuhya-mahesh/• Aditya Sonwane - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aditya-sonwane-85aa3021b/Connect with us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctrl.alt.thrive.podcast/ Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@Ctrlaltthrive/videosConnect with Navneet Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/navneet-kaur-80109b227/Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/nav_neeetkaur/
Transcribe →How FlexiBees Is Using AI to Redefine the Future of Work for Women I Rashmi Rammohan
Oct 2700:42:27Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I’m joined by Rashmi Rammohan, Co-founder and COO of FlexiBees, an AI-powered platform connecting experienced women professionals with flexible, on-demand work opportunities across life stages.Rashmi brings over a decade of experience from P&G Asia in consumer insights and digital media, and has played a pivotal role in building FlexiBees’ vetting process, go-to-market strategy, and product from the ground up. Her story offers a rare, inside look at what it takes to build an AI-driven company that truly centers women in the workforce. In this conversation, we dive into:The story behind FlexiBees and how AI powers its mission. Why retaining women in the workforce, especially in AI, is criticalThe opportunities and challenges of building an AI-first companyHow to tackle algorithmic bias and gender sensitivity in tech.What does ethics AI mean to you and how does that translate in your services and products?The future of AI + human collaboration and what it means for women in emerging markets.If you’re passionate about the future of work, gender equity in AI, and building tech that uplifts, this episode will inspire you to reimagine what’s possible when purpose meets innovation. Newsletter - https://techthrivenewsletter.beehiiv.com/ Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only. Views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not constitute professional, legal, or financial advice, nor endorsements of any company or product mentioned.Listeners are encouraged to do their own research and make informed decisions. ©️2025 TechThrive Ventures. All rights reserved.Flexibees - https://flexibees.comRashmi Rammohan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rashmirammohan/--Connect with us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctrl.alt.thrive.podcast/ Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@Ctrlaltthrive/videosConnect with Navneet Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/navneet-kaur-80109b227/Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/nav_neeetkaur/
Transcribe →Sahana Gopal on Female Athletes, Science, & Building Made-in-India Equipment For The World I UNRACK
Oct 1000:46:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I sit down with Sahana Gopal, the founder of UNRACK, a Made-in-India strength training equipment brand built for the world. Shana has worked with Olympic medal-winning athletes in the UK to develop one of the largest femtech databases on female physiology, She is redefining how women train, recover, and perform.In this episode, Shana and I dive into:How Sahana turned sports science into a global fitness brandThe gap UNRACK is solving in the women’s strength training spaceThe challenges (and opportunities) of building Made-in-India fitness hardwareThe science behind female athletic performance and recoveryThe monetization sweet spot: premium smart gear or mass-market affordabilityWhat the future of women’s fitness looks like from Olympic podiums to home gymsWe also get personal:⚡What it’s like training elite athletes under pressure ⚡What “strength” means beyond the gym⚡The trends reshaping how women move, lift, and leadIf you’re curious about sports science, female-focused fitness, or what it takes to turn research and passion into a thriving global startup, this episode is for you.Tune in to discover how UNRACK is empowering women, redefining strength training, and turning a niche idea into a billion-dollar potential.Newsletter - https://techthrivenewsletter.beehiiv.com/Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and host and do not constitute medical or professional advice. Always consult a qualified expert before making health or fitness decisions.Unrack - https://unrack.fit/Shana Gopal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahanagopal/Connect with us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctrl.alt.thrive.podcast/ Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@Ctrlaltthrive/videosConnect with Navneet Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/navneet-kaur-80109b227/Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/nav_neeetkaur/
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Startup Law in India - Incorporation, Fundraising & Compliance | Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co
Sep 2100:38:44Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I sit down with legal experts from Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co, one of India’s most respected full-service law firms. My guests are Bhargava K.S., Partner with 17+ years of experience in venture capital, private equity, and fund formation, and Mithila Hari, Principal Associate with deep expertise in VC/PE deals and strategic advisory.Together, we unpack the legal playbook every founder must know from choosing the right structure at incorporation to safeguarding IP, raising capital, and preparing for exits.Here’s what we cover:Choosing between LLP, Pvt. Ltd, or Non-Profit structuresCommon mistakes founders make when starting upLegal must-haves for fundraising and negotiating with investorsProtecting IP, confidential information, and trade secretsStructuring offer letters, NDAs, and stock options for early hiresStaying compliant with data privacy laws (GDPR, CCPA)Preparing for due diligence and smoother acquisitionsRegulatory considerations for global companies entering IndiaReal stories of startups navigating legal challengesIf you’re a founder, investor, or anyone navigating the startup ecosystem, this episode is packed with legal strategies to help you scale smarter and avoid costly pitfalls.Newsletter - https://techthrivenewsletter.beehiiv.com/Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and not legal, financial, or investment advice. Views shared are personal and may not reflect affiliated organizations. Please consult qualified professionals before making business, legal, or financial decisions. No client or advisory relationship is created by listening.Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co - https://www.amsshardul.com/Bhargava K.S. - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhargava-k-s-49698a19/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appMithila Hari - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mithila-hari-698321120/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appConnect with us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctrl.alt.thrive.podcast/ Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@Ctrlaltthrive/videosConnect with Navneet Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/navneet-kaur-80109b227/Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/nav_neeetkaur/
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Half of India’s Tech workforce are women, but only 20% lead - Shreya Krishnan explains why!
Aug 3100:54:11Tap to summarizeIn today’s episode, I’m joined by Shreya Krishnan—Managing Director of AnitaB.org India, certified therapist, CSR leader, TEDx speaker, poet, and dancer in 37 styles. Shreya is also Ms. Universal Empowerment 2024 and Mrs. India Universe 2017, blending creativity, leadership, and impact like no one else.At AnitaB.org, a nonprofit powering the future of tech, Shreya and her team help tech communities get skilled, hired, promoted, paid, and funded, while challenging bias, opening doors, and putting people at the center of progress.In this episode, we explore:Shreya’s journey into AI, ethics, and gender equity.How her book Words Matter encourages girls to redefine dignity & the phrase every girl should hear.Applying a gender lens in tech leadership amid only 28% women in global tech leadership roles in 2025.How leaders can bridge the digital divide ethically, especially for Gen Z and the 2.6 billion people still offline. Examples of ethical AI initiatives at AnitaB.org that advance gender equity.Turning diversity into leadership equity, especially in AI governance and product design.Strategies for mental well-being in AI-driven organizations, addressing the invisible labor often carried by gender-diverse teams.AI allyship: How to ensure algorithms don’t reinforce gender or racial biases as AI drives more decision-making.The importance of inclusive leadership pipelines in climate, health, and fintech.We also challenge myths about women in tech, explore the meaning of ethical AI in the South Asia context, and discuss what it takes to own the narrative in 2025 and beyond.If you’re passionate about tech, ethics, inclusion, and leadership, this conversation is must listen. 🎙️ Brought to you by TechThrive, in collaboration with UNESCO - Women for Ethical AI Network South Asian Chapter. Watch full episode on YouTube Newsletter - https://techthrivenewsletter.beehiiv.com/Connect with Shreya - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreya-krishnan-3190098/AnitaB.org - https://anitab.orgUNESCO ethical AI recommendations - https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000381137(W4EAI) South Asian Chapter - https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-for-ethical-ai-w4eai-south-asian-chapter/posts/?feedView=all Connect with us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctrl.alt.thrive.podcast/ Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@Ctrlaltthrive/videosConnect with Navneet Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/navneet-kaur-80109b227/Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/nav_neeetkaur/
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This Harvard Grad Invented a Headband for Period Headaches – Emilė Radytė
Aug 700:32:18Tap to summarize🎙️ This episode is brought to you by TechThrive, in collaboration with FemTech India. I sit down with Emilė Radytė a Lithuanian-born neuroscientist, Harvard and Oxford graduate, and founder of Samphire Neuroscience. Emilė is pioneering a new wave in women’s health with Nettle the world's first wearable brain-stimulation device designed to relieve menstrual pain and PMS. Backed by the NHS and recognized by Forbes, Nettle is part of a growing wave of wellness tech reshaping the future of healthcare.In this episode, Emilė and I dive into:Her journey from neuroscience to launching a healthtech startup.How Nettle works and how it’s different from traditional pain relief methods. Botox for period migraines - myth or solution.The real impact of PMS on productivity.The rise of wellness tech and why women are investing in their own health more than ever Why PMS and menstrual pain demand better solutions and how brain stimulation offers new hope. Her biggest challenges merging science with startup life.Why women’s health has been historically overlooked and how that’s changing. What does ethical innovation mean in women’s health tech. Natural approaches to managing period-related headachesAnd her advice to young women ready to change the world with science and innovationWhether you're curious about FemTech, building or investing in health innovation, passionate about neuroscience, or simply looking for inspiration from a founder redefining the future of women’s health this episode is for you. Watch full episode on YouTube Newsletter - https://techthrivenewsletter.beehiiv.com/DISCLAIMER: The content presented in this podcast is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It's always advisable to consult with your doctor or qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance. Connect with Emile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eradyte/Samphire Neuroscience - https://samphireneuro.comConnect with us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctrl.alt.thrive.podcast/ Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@Ctrlaltthrive/videosConnect with Navneet Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/navneet-kaur-80109b227/Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/nav_neeetkaur/
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How India is shaping the Future of AI – Preeti Banzal on Central Policy, Government of India
Jul 2300:49:15Tap to summarizeI sit down with Dr. Preeti Banzal, Adviser and Scientist G in the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. With over 30 years of leadership across telecom policy, disaster communication, AI ethics, and quantum technology, Dr. Banzal has been a driving force behind India’s tech-policy and innovation ecosystem.In this conversation, she offers a rare, insider’s perspective on how India is navigating the complex ethical terrain of artificial intelligence while building one of the most inclusive and values-driven AI ecosystems in the world.Highlights include:Highlights : What ethical AI means in the Indian context and how to actually get it rightHow can policy frameworks tackle gender bias in AI systems?Why India could offer a “third way” in global AI governance balancing innovation, rights, and trustWhat ethical challenges will AI face in emerging economies over the next decade. How can we design AI ecosystems from day one to protect marginalized communities. What the next decade of AI in India could look like and the voices we must not leave behind. India’s emerging AI infrastructure and free national resources (like Bhashini & IndiaAI).Her message to a 15-year-old girl dreaming of a STEM career. How India is balancing AI growth with job preservation in rural and informal sectors. Whether you're a policymaker, technologist, VC, founder, or a student exploring your path, this conversation is a must-listen. This is a must-listen conversation on tech, AI, equity, and the future of innovation in India. 🎙️ Brought to you by TechThrive, in collaboration with UNESCO - Women for Ethical AI Network South Asian Chapter. UNESCO ethical AI recommendations - https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000381137(W4EAI) South Asian Chapter - https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-for-ethical-ai-w4eai-south-asian-chapter/posts/?feedView=all India’s AI national free resources : India AI Portal –open data sets to free AI courses.Bhashini / Anuvadini – NLP tools to bring AI to every Indian language.Futuriskills Prime – Free upskilling programs under the National AI Mission.AI Kosh – Open-source repositories for developers and startups.Connect with us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctrl.alt.thrive.podcast/ Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@Ctrlaltthrive/videosConnect with Navneet Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/navneet-kaur-80109b227/Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/nav_neeetkaur/
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