Mumbai: STEP Hosts Inaugural Green Ribbon Fest, Aims to Foster Mental Health Innovation

Mumbai, 29th March 2024: STEP, a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs, achieved a significant milestone with the successful inauguration of the inaugural Green Ribbon Fest in Mumbai. Held at the Hall of Harmony, Nehru Centre, Worli, Mumbai, the event spanned from 10 am to 5 pm, drawing mental health startups, investors, industry experts, and stakeholders into a day filled with impactful discussions, pitch presentations, and networking opportunities.

The Green Ribbon Fest emerged as a platform to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within the mental health domain. Against the backdrop of rising awareness and destigmatization efforts surrounding mental health, the festival aimed to address the pressing need for accessible and comprehensive support systems in today’s fast-paced, digitally connected world.

Reinu Shah, Founder of STEP, emphasized the necessity of shedding light on mental health and exploring cutting-edge solutions to address its challenges. Shah highlighted the repercussions of neglecting mental health, stressing the importance of innovation and collaboration in the mental health entrepreneurship space. By promoting awareness, reducing stigma, and cultivating supportive environments, Shah envisioned a society where everyone has access to the necessary support for mental and emotional well-being.

The event featured Stepper Ms. Bhavana Issar, who captivated the audience with her personal and professional journey, shedding light on the challenges faced by family caregivers. Issar, Founder & CEO of Caregiver Saathi, underscored the need for a supportive community for caregivers, emphasizing the importance of replenishing emotional reserves for both patients and caregivers.

Neha Kirpal, Founder of Amaaha Health, emphasized the significance of the Green Ribbon Fest as a platform for driving meaningful change in the mental health landscape. Kirpal urged collaboration among stakeholders to build a supportive ecosystem that prioritizes mental health. She stressed the interdisciplinary nature of mental health and the need for collective efforts to address its complexities effectively.

The event showcased the most promising mental health innovators, with 10 startups selected as winners from approximately 100 applications nationwide. Winners were chosen across revenue, pre-revenue, and prototype stages by a diverse panel of jurors comprising investors, entrepreneurs, and mental health experts.

Among the winners, Kodate Parenting, led by Jeyappriadhevi J, clinched the grand prize accompanied by a grant of Rs 10,00,000 lakh for their innovative solution addressing parenting issues.

Expressing gratitude for their victory, winners highlighted the significance of the grant in furthering the development and expansion of their startup ventures. The grant symbolized crucial support for budding entrepreneurs in realizing their visions and advancing their businesses.

Durmeric Natureceuticals Pvt Ltd served as the gifting partner, demonstrating their commitment to supporting mental health entrepreneurship.

The Green Ribbon Fest culminated with a prize distribution ceremony, with STEP extending appreciation to all guests, sponsors, and participants for their invaluable contributions. Supported by Parivartan, the event marked a significant stride toward fostering innovation and collaboration in the mental health sector.