Women in science &startups: 5 milestones that changed history

Despite the systematic invisibility that women in science have historically faced, figures such as Ada Lovelace, widely regarded as the world's first computer programmer, Grace Hopper, creator of the earliest compilers, and Rosalind Franklin, whose work was instrumental in uncovering the structure of DNA, laid the foundations for today’s female leadership in technology.

The legacy of these STEM pioneers extends to later developments such as the Ferranti Mark 1, whose user manual was written by Mary Coombs, and network innovations such as Radia Perlman’s Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). Radia Perlman.

Spain has also produced remarkable role models, including Margarita Salas, a leading figure in molecular biology, and Ana Lluch, a pioneer in oncology, reinforcing the role of women in scientific leadership in Spain.

At an institutional level, initiatives such as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February) and programs such as STEM España are increasingly contributing to the visibility of this transformation.

However, the gender gap in science remains a structural challenge. According to UNESCO, women scientists account for only around one-third of researchers worldwide.

While female representation remains close to 42% among academic staff and mid-level research positions, that figure declines significantly as career progression advances.

In fact, among university professors, institute directors, and senior decision-makers in science and technology, the percentage of women ranges from 24% to 26%, as confirmed by the metrics in Articles such as that by Farina et al. (2023).

In 1946, the launch of the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer), the world’s first general-purpose electronic digital computer, marked a turning point in technology history.

Behind this innovation stood the ENIAC Programmers, a group of six women mathematicians responsible for programming the machine: Betty Snyder, Betty Jean Jennings, Ruth Lichterman, Kathleen McNulty, Frances Bilas, and Marlyn Wescoff.

These "ENIAC Women" transformed the role of women in These “ENIAC Women” transformed the role of women in software development, although the recognition they deserved would not arrive until decades later., aunque su reconocimiento llegó décadas más tarde.

Regardless, this milestone became a foundational moment for today’s startup culture, wherecompetitive advantage relies heavily on technical capability.It represented a shift from invisible roles to positions of female leadership in technology, helping create more inclusive innovation environments.

In modern biotechnology, the discovery and patenting of CRISPR in 2012 by Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier revolutionized gene editing.Their work demonstrated more clearly than ever how scientific research can be transformed into economic value and entrepreneurial success.

This phenomenon is not isolated. An increasing number of female researchers are participating in technology transfer and the creation of deep tech companies.

Indeed, the rise of science-based entrepreneurs is reshaping innovation dynamics across the globe. In Europe, researchers such as Carmen García and Matxalen Uriarte have played an active role in this transformation.

Career paths like these help consolidate an ecosystem where patents, scientific IPOs, and seed funding rounds are gradually incorporating greater female representation, although significant disparities still remain.

While access to capital has historically been a barrier, the past decade has witnessed the growth of networks such as Pipeline Angels (founded in 2010) and Astia Angels, both focused on promoting female-led venture capital as a competitive advantage.

One of the most visible symbols of this transformation is Whitney Wolfe Herd, the American entrepreneur and founder of Bumble, whose company successfully went public in 2021.

Events such as Female Founders Day in Madrid and initiatives led by organizations including Escuela de Organización Industrial (EOI), Red.es and Startup Valencia, have accelerated this shift by connecting female talent, investment opportunities, and visibility through dedicated programs.

The future of scientific and technology entrepreneurship will be shaped by the convergence of science, ethics, and sustainability. Fields such as ethical artificial intelligence, green biotechnology, and clean energy are increasingly being led by women.

This new wave is reflected in ventures such as Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech, where Marta Estarellas serves as CEO of a company that combines scientific innovation with societal impact.

Community networks such as #EllaEsCiencia and specialized events are reinforcing cultural shift toward a more inclusive and sustainable model of female leadership, one capable of strengthening the role of women in strategic decision-making.

These developments illustrate a broader transformation. Science led by women no longer ends in the laboratory; it is increasingly integrated into ecosystems that connect research, investment, and technological development—exactly the kind of ecosystem we seek to foster at Bolboreta Innova Group through initiatives such as Bolboreta Investiga.

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