Maryam Ahmad

General Info

What will be your most valuable contribution to your TechWomen mentorship?

I bring a unique perspective from Pakistan's growing innovation ecosystem, combining scientific expertise with entrepreneurial experience in sustainability and public health. My work bridges traditional materials and modern nanotechnology to create practical, low-cost solutions. I aim to contribute actively through idea exchange, cultural insights, and a passion for community-driven innovation. I hope to inspire peers and mentors alike with my journey of building Ecofoil from the ground up and share strategies for navigating challenges in resource-constrained environments.

The Top Three Things I Would Like to Learn or Experience During my Mentorship

1. Learn global strategies for scientific commercialization.
2. Develop cross-disciplinary leadership and innovation skills.
3. Advance multifunctional material design for sustainability and health.

Mentorship Characteristic

• Visit an office or attend a site-visit
• Identify workshops or certificate programs to further my learning after the program has ended
• Present my current work to professionals in my industry
• Expand on a project that I’m working on in my current role at home
• Have exposure to specialized industry techniques

Ideal Company Type

My ideal mentor works in a mid-to-large-sized innovative company operating at the intersection of sustainability, biotechnology or consumer products. I seek a mentor embedded in a collaborative, inclusive and forward-thinking culture—one that encourages leadership, experimentation and measurable impact. I'm particularly eager to learn from professionals who integrate technical innovation with practical commercialization strategies. An ideal mentor would also be deeply committed to supporting women in STEM and entrepreneurship, and willing to share insights on navigating global challenges through purpose-driven science and technology.

What are three adjectives that best describe you in the work place?

1. Curious
2. Workaholic
3. Resilient

What impact will your mentorship have on your career and professional path?

This mentorship will expose me to cutting-edge sustainable technologies and business strategies, helping me scale my startup with technical and market insights. I aim to sharpen my problem-solving skills, learn practical commercialization techniques, and become a more confident leader. Being mentored by someone from a high-impact organization will also guide me in building international collaborations and refining my vision for scalable innovation in packaging.

After participating in the TechWomen program, how will you leverage your mentorship experience to make an impact in your home country?

After the program, I will share my learning through training sessions for young chemists and women entrepreneurs in Pakistan. I plan to pilot new sustainable packaging ideas inspired by the mentorship and collaborate with universities to encourage innovation in food tech. I will also use the network and credibility gained to advocate for eco-conscious policies and support women-led startups in science and sustainability. I also aim to collaborate with local institutions to launch sustainable tech projects, including my work on water purification tablets, and serve as a bridge between U.S. and Pakistani innovators to foster knowledge-sharing and mentorship opportunities.

Work History

Years of Full-time Work Experience

2

Primary Professional Focus

• Bio or medical technology
• Technical product design
• Technical product marketing

Education History