Rewiring innovation: The dynamic and diverse future of emerging tech is female

When I first entered the world of emerging technology, I didn't see many people who looked or thought like me. As a woman, an immigrant, and someone who is both autistic and has ADHD, I often felt like I was navigating a world that wasn't built for me. But over time, I've come to realise that these very differences are not just valid—they're vital.

This International Women in Engineering Day, I want to celebrate the power of perspective. Because in the fast-evolving world of emerging tech, it's not just about who can code the fastest or build the sleekest prototype. It's about who can see the world differently—and design for it accordingly.

The female lens in innovation

Women bring a unique lens to engineering and innovation—one that is often more empathetic, collaborative, and systems-oriented. We ask different questions. We notice different gaps. And we often design with inclusion in mind from the outset, not as an afterthought.

In my work at NCS Australia, I've seen firsthand how diverse teams approach problems more holistically. Recently I played a key role in the design of our AI Enablement program at NCS, working to upskill our 13,000 employees across the region as AI profoundly evolves job roles and capabilities. For the course to be successful, we needed to create a program that was meaningful across cultures, job functions and AI fluency, with empathy and user-centricity core to the program's design. It's this kind of thoughtful design that often distinguishes female engineers, putting people at the centre of tech experiences.

But it's not just about gender. Neurodiversity and the thinking these individuals provide is also critical to broad perspectives and new solutions in emerging tech.

Neurodivergent minds see problems in different ways

Emerging tech is a playground for the neurodiverse mind. The rapid pace of change, the need to juggle multiple technologies, the constant problem-solving—it's a space where ADHD and autism aren't liabilities, they're assets. I thrive in environments where I can switch gears, experiment, and iterate. And I know I'm not alone.

As someone who is neurodivergent, I've had to find my own way through systems that weren't designed with me in mind. I used to struggle with navigation—physically and professionally, but innovation has become my compass. It gives me the freedom to explore, to pivot, to learn fast and adapt faster.

One of the most powerful tools I've encountered is AR. We once prototyped an AR navigation system designed specifically for neurodivergent users. Imagine wearing smart glasses that overlay real-time directions onto the world around you—pointing out the building you need to enter, guiding you left or right without overwhelming you with information. For someone like me, that's not just helpful—it's liberating.

Building community

The most powerful advice I ever received was don't change who you are. When I stopped trying to hide my differences and started embracing them, I became more confident, more capable—and more influential.

Diagnosis gave me language. Innovation gave me purpose. And community gave me strength. Through initiatives like the Women's Circle and the Neurodiversity Network, I've been able to find my community and a space where I can just be "me". 

I've had communities that have helped me early in my career, and I've wanted to give back and connect the next generation to these valuable networks. The BrainSTEM mentorship program for example has allowed me to help girls in high school understand how they can apply STEM principles to solve global problems, fostering an early interest in technology. And for young girls on track to build emerging tech careers like mine, the Monash University Industry Experience Program has allowed me to build a community with an awesome group of undergraduate students, helping them navigate university projects with real-world industry insights. The girls are inspiring, but inherently human—brilliant, curious, but unsure if they belong. My message to them is always the same: not only do you belong, but your perspective is exactly what this industry needs.

The future is ethical, accessible, and human

As we push the boundaries of what's possible with AI, mixed reality, and immersive tech, we must also push the boundaries of who gets to shape that future. With University of Melbourne research finding that only 34% of STEM degrees in Australia are awarded to women, Sowmiya is committed to addressing this gender imbalance, guiding young women through their educational and professional journeys to help reshape the future of tech.

Innovation isn't just about what we build. It's about who we build it for—and who we build it with.

So, as we celebrate Women in Engineering Day, let's celebrate the women who have broken through - the ones who code, who led, who mentor, who challenge the status quo – and found roles where they can belong, and make a difference. And especially to the ones who, like me, once wondered if there was a place for them in this world.

There is. And we're building it—together.

If you're a leader in tech, ask yourself: who's missing from your team? If you're a woman or a neurodiverse individual wondering if you belong in this space—know that you do. Be bold. Be curious. Be yourself. The future of engineering needs your voice, your vision, and your difference.