WE Hub, India’s first state-led nodal agency for women entrepreneurs, has successfully concluded the SHElterTech Acceleration Program, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to position women founders at the forefront of innovation in the housing and construction sector.
Implemented in partnership with the Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter (TCIS), specialised center within the global nonprofit organisation Habitat for Humanity International, the program culminated in a Cohort Showcase and Industry Networking Meet that brought together Telangana’s leading real estate developers, CSR foundations, architects, institutional investors and government stakeholders.
The closing ceremony was graced by VP Gautham, IAS, Managing Director, Telangana Housing Corporation Limited (THCL), as the Chief Guest.
The cohort featured innovative startups including Q Gen-Next Sustainable Technology Pvt. Ltd., Hubeco Green Ventures Pvt. Ltd., C-DISC Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Structural Integrated Panels Pvt. Ltd., Greenbanana Environment Solutions Pvt. Ltd., and ECOSTP Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Addressing the gathering, VP Gautham, IAS, said: “The Government of Telangana is committed to expanding affordable housing in urban areas and improving the quality of homes in rural communities. Achieving this vision requires smarter construction solutions that reduce costs, improve efficiency and shorten project timelines. Startups are critical partners in this journey. The innovators in this cohort are solving real-world challenges and developing practical solutions that can make a meaningful impact. We are ready to work with them.”
SHElterTech was conceptualised to address a critical gap identified through the SHElterTech Gender Analysis Study, which found that women entrepreneurs in the housing and construction sector often face barriers not in technical expertise or ambition, but in accessing markets, capital and industry networks.
In response, WE Hub designed a focused Growth and Market Activation Program aimed at creating tangible business opportunities through customer pilots, strategic partnerships, investment access and regulatory support.
The cohort showcased a diverse range of innovations spanning modular construction systems, zero-excavation foundations, passive cooling technologies, sustainable building materials and nature-based water treatment solutions. These innovations align closely with Telangana’s vision of creating faster, greener and more sustainable housing infrastructure.
A key highlight of the program was structured business matchmaking, enabling founders to engage directly with enterprise buyers, developers, CSR partners and investors, transforming networking opportunities into potential pilot projects and commercial partnerships.
Reflecting on the program’s impact, Sita Pallacholla, CEO, WE Hub, said: “Women founders in the housing sector consistently told us that while they had the capability and innovative solutions, they lacked access to customers, capital and decision-makers. Bridging that gap is exactly why WE Hub exists. SHElterTech demonstrates what becomes possible when women entrepreneurs are provided with the right ecosystem, opportunities and connections to scale.”
The event was also attended by Soumya Chanda, Executive Director, Vasavi Group, along with representatives from leading real estate firms, investors and ecosystem partners.
With the successful completion of SHElterTech, WE Hub reinforces its commitment to fostering inclusive innovation and ensuring that women-led enterprises play a pivotal role in shaping Telangana’s housing sector, economic growth and sustainable development.