Biography of Veena Moktali: Founder and CEO of Periwinkle Technologies- Entrepreneur
Journey of Veena Moktali:
Veena Moktali's story begins with a strong educational
foundation. She pursued her Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Telecommunications
from Walchand College of Engineering in Sangli from 1992 to 1996. Afterward,
she continued her academic journey at San Jose State University, earning a
Master of Science in Engineering Management between 2000 and 2002. This blend
of technical expertise and management skills set the stage for her future endeavors
in the tech industry.
Early Career: From Telecom to Consulting
Veena's career started at British Telecom in the UK, where
she worked as a Software Design Engineer from 1996 to 2000. Following her stint
in the UK, she moved to the United States and joined Xoriant as a Senior
Software Analyst from 2000 to 2002. Despite the challenging timing of the
dotcom bubble burst, she continued to build her career in the US. During this
period, she also took on a part-time program at San Jose State University,
further honing her skills and knowledge.
Transition to India and Entrepreneurial Spirit
In the early 2000s, Veena moved to India when her husband
received an offer to lead a startup. She then joined Cognizant Technology
Solutions as a Project Manager from 2008 to 2010. Despite her successful roles
in various tech companies, Veena felt a desire to create innovative solutions
rather than sticking to conventional problems. This led her to establish a
consultancy business with a team of 40, which she managed for four years before
founding Periwinkle Technologies.
The Birth of Periwinkle Technologies
In 2013, Veena Moktali and her co-founder Koustubh Naik
launched Periwinkle Technologies Pvt. Ltd., initially focusing on developing a
closed-group communications and data exchange platform. It took them nearly a
year to identify a viable application for their idea, eventually finding their
niche in the healthcare sector in early 2015. They aimed to revolutionize
healthcare communications, laying the groundwork for their flagship products.
Innovative Solutions for Healthcare
The Smart Scope and Net4Medix emerged from their vision. The
Smart Scope, a hardware device, is designed for cancer screening, while
Net4Medix is a software application that supports remote monitoring and
diagnosis. This system allows healthcare providers to perform screenings and
track patient health in real-time, addressing the gap in timely medical
intervention, especially in resource-constrained areas.
The Smart Scope and Its Impact
The Smart Scope works in conjunction with Net4Medix to
facilitate cervical cancer screening. The system sends reminders to patients
for routine check-ups, which are then conducted using the Smart Scope in a
clinic setting. The results guide doctors on necessary follow-ups and
treatments. This system also aids in tracking diabetes and hemophilia,
providing valuable health insights and preventing severe complications through
timely intervention.
Biography of Veena Moktali: Founder and CEO of Periwinkle Technologies /Entrepreneur/Age/Net worth/investor/Veena Moktali story/Periwinkle Tech story
Early Achievements and Expansion
Since its inception, Periwinkle Technologies has made
significant strides. The team, consisting of six members, has supported over
4,500 patients through more than 40 doctors. They have completed 10 million
transactions on their platform and are preparing for their first major product
orders. Their success is partly due to effective use of LinkedIn for digital
outreach and real-world networking at events and conferences.
Funding and Recognition
The company has received two equity-free grants from BIRAC
and seed funding from Capital First Ltd. through Zone Startups India’s
mentorship program. Their innovative approach has garnered attention and
support from various sectors, helping them build credibility and resources for
their ongoing projects. This financial backing and recognition have fueled
their growth and development.
Future Goals and Vision
Looking ahead, Periwinkle Technologies is set to launch
Smart Scope for cervical and oral cancer screening across India. They are
exploring key partnerships in the Home Health ecosystem for research and trials
and are currently raising funds for their next phase of expansion. The
company's goal is to scale up their impact and enhance cancer screening accessibility
nationwide.
Expanding Horizons: National and Global Reach
The company's achievements have been acknowledged through
awards, including the Startup Grand Challenge under Ayushman Bharat and
recognition at Maharashtra Startup Week. Periwinkle Technologies has also been
invited to global forums like the Geneva Health Forum and World Health
Assembly, reflecting their growing influence in the med-tech field.
Addressing India's Healthcare Challenges
India’s healthcare system faces significant challenges,
particularly in cervical cancer prevention. With the country losing one woman
every eight minutes to this disease, effective and widespread screening is
crucial. Traditional methods like Pap smears and HPV DNA tests are costly and
inconvenient, leading to a need for a more efficient solution.
The Need for a New Screening Method
The need for a single-visit, affordable, and accurate
cervical cancer screening method is evident. Existing tests often require
multiple visits, extensive infrastructure, and are expensive, which deters many
women from undergoing regular screenings. Thus, a streamlined, accessible
solution is essential to improve screening rates and save lives.
Periwinkle’s Solution to the Problem
Periwinkle Technologies addresses this issue with their
Smart Scope® CX, a device designed for single-visit cervical health
examinations. The device, combined with the Net4Medix application and AI
technology, provides a comprehensive and user-friendly solution. This
innovation aims to make cervical cancer screening more accessible and
efficient, especially for women in underserved areas.
Continued Growth and Innovation
Periwinkle Technologies continues to expand its operations,
leveraging its past successes to push for greater social impact. The company's
growth is fueled by its commitment to improving healthcare access and its
ability to attract significant funding and partnerships. Their ongoing efforts
include expanding their product line and exploring international markets.
Looking Forward: Expanding Impact
The founders of Periwinkle Technologies are focused on scaling
their impact both nationally and internationally. Their innovative approach to
med-tech aims to address critical healthcare gaps and provide affordable,
effective solutions for cancer screening. With a strong track record and
ambitious plans, they are poised to make a significant difference in global
health.
Conclusion: A Vision for Healthier Futures
Veena Moktali's journey from a software engineer to a
med-tech pioneer highlights her dedication to leveraging technology for social
good. Through Periwinkle Technologies, she has created a platform that not only
addresses immediate healthcare needs but also sets a precedent for future
innovations in medical technology. As the company continues to grow, it remains
committed to its mission of improving health outcomes and expanding access to
life-saving screenings worldwide.
Timeline of Veena Moktali's Journey:
1992-1996 - Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and
Telecommunications, Walchand College of Engineering.
1996-2000 - Software Design Engineer, British Telecom.
2000-2002 - Senior Software Analyst, Xoriant; Master of
Science in Engineering Management, San Jose State University.
2008-2010 - Project Manager, Cognizant Technology Solutions.
2013 - Co-founded Periwinkle Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Early 2015 - Periwinkle Technologies pivots to healthcare
sector.
2015 - Launched Smart Scope and Net4Medix for cancer
screening and remote monitoring.
2024 - Expanding Periwinkle Technologies' impact, securing
funding, and exploring international markets.