Only 13% of entrepreneurs in science and technology are women a gap that this new installment of Tech Talks with a gender perspective aims to address through innovation and diversity
During the conversation, participants reflect on how female leadership is transforming strategic sectors such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity
Today, 32.4% of entrepreneurs in science and technology are women. In response to this reality, Gradiant has dedicated the second episode of the new season of Tech Talks with a gender perspective to exploring how to promote female leadership in high-tech strategic sectors.
The gender gap in the technology business landscape remains a structural challenge. According to 2022 data, women represented just 13% of entrepreneurship in science and technology. Although this figure rose to 32.4% in 2024, according to Neotec data, inequality in areas such as ownership of equity in technology-based companies remains significant (only 16% belongs to women). This is the result of persistent invisible barriers and the lack of role models that hinder women’s access to senior leadership positions. Nevertheless, progress is being made, such as the increase to 23.4% of female leadership in projects funded by CDTI in 2024.
The roundtable addresses how women are transforming leadership in fields that define the technological future, such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. It also examines sectors with a strong female presence, such as biotechnology (58.6%), healthcare (46%), and pharmaceuticals (67.7%), where women’s leadership is already a well-established reality.
During the session, participants share personal experiences, key decisions in their careers, and moments of uncertainty, highlighting both achievements and the structural barriers that still persist. The discussion underscores that diversity is not only a matter of equity but also a real competitive advantage in highly innovative environments.
This edition features Almudena Justo (Director of the International Quantum Computing Center at Fsas Technologies), Carmen López Pérez (Head of Innovation at Balidea), Raquel Jiménez Alcalá (Head of Cybersecurity Analytics at Gradiant), Antía Fernández López (Director of Innovation for Strategic Markets at Gradiant), Faustino Castro (CEO of Dokken, a Gradiant spin-off), and Luis Pérez-Freire (General Director of Gradiant).
The session highlights the importance of mentorship, institutional support, and networking as key levers for promoting female talent in deep tech. For Gradiant, showcasing role models is essential to inspiring new generations and consolidating structural change within the ICT ecosystem.
This Tech Talk tackles complex technology-related issues that affect not only the ICT sector but society as a whole, using accessible and direct language. The goal is to open the conversation on how to build a more diverse, inclusive, and competitive technology ecosystem.
With this second season, Gradiant reaffirms its commitment to technology that not only innovates but also reflects on its impact and social responsibility. Our commitment to equality has been part of our culture for years. Since 2018, we have promoted pioneering initiatives such as Women’s Month, Mujeres Tecnólogas, and Tecnólogas del Siglo XXI, aimed at highlighting female role models and fostering STEM vocations, especially among younger generations. In 2024, we took a further step with the launch of Tech Talks with a gender perspective, an open and accessible conversation space bringing together professionals from the technology sector to reflect on structural biases, responsible technology design, and the need to build a more diverse, inclusive, and socially committed ICT ecosystem.
You can watch the first episode of this second season here.
This initiative is part of the dissemination activities of the R&D projects ICAREWOUNDS, funded by the European Commission through the THCS partnership, and QUORUM, funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU through the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan.
ICAREWOUNDS has received funding from the European Commission, ISCIII, NCBR, HRB, AKA and MUR under the Transforming Health and Care Systems (THCS) partnership within the Horizon Europe programme (GA No. 101095654).
QUORUM is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU and the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan.
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