Pakistani teenagers Mahroosh Umer and Maryam Farhan, competing as Team Futuristan, won the “Teens in AI” category at the International Women’s Day Global Techathon 2025 (IWD2025) on April 28, 2025, for their innovative AI platform, Menova.
The platform, designed to support women navigating menopause, addresses symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings with culturally sensitive, personalised guidance. It tackles a global gap where 60% of women lack adequate medical support despite 80% experiencing symptoms.
Mentored by Noorulain Zafer of Mind Works International, the duo crafted Menova to bridge knowledge gaps and reduce stigma, earning praise for its inclusive design.
Pakistani innovators Mahroosh Umer & Maryam Farhan of Team Futuristan win big at Global Techathon 2025 (IWD2025)!
Proud moment for Pakistan in global tech!#EmergingPakistan #Techathon2025 #WomenInTech #IWD2025 pic.twitter.com/qU5T77Q7PB
— Emerging Pakistan (@Emergingpk) April 29, 2025The IWD2025 Techathon, organised by Sage Foundation and Red Hat, drew nearly 2,000 participants from 150 cities across six continents, with 55% female representation, fostering youth innovation in AI, data science, and design thinking. Held in 41 countries with workshops in 24 regional languages, the event empowered teens aged 12–18 to solve real-world challenges.
Mahroosh and Maryam’s victory marks Pakistan’s first win at this global competition. It highlights the potential of young innovators to address pressing health and social issues. As a Teens in AI spokesperson noted, their success underscores the Techathon’s mission to uplift underserved voices through technology.
