Former Union Minister Smriti Irani shared that her defeats have been instrumental in shaping her life, more so than her victories. Speaking at the Rajasthan DigiFest TiE Global Summit 2026 in Jaipur, she highlighted the importance of struggles and failures in defining one’s identity and path. Irani, during a session on “Leadership Beyond Labels,” discussed women’s increasing roles in leadership across various sectors like technology, policy, and startups.
Smriti Irani candidly reflected on her electoral journey, stating that her most significant lessons arose from her losses rather than wins. She stressed that success and failure should not be gender-specific but rather seen through the lens of equality. Additionally, Irani addressed the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in India, noting the empowering image created by nine crore women in self-help groups.
At the summit, Irani outlined initiatives to empower women, support startups, and establish a fund exceeding USD 100 million. These efforts aim to enhance the women’s entrepreneurship ecosystem by providing access to opportunities, capital, and mentorship. The Rajasthan DigiFest TiE Global Summit 2026, under the Chief Minister’s guidance, is witnessing substantial participation from over 1,200 global companies, including founders, CEOs, and investors.
The event offers startup founders avenues for funding and mentorship, with sector-specific sessions focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies. Founders from more than 20 unicorn and soonicorn startups are set to participate in the summit, which runs from January 4 to 6 in Jaipur.
