Shooting Star Winner: A journey after LEAP

Shooting Star Winner: A journey after LEAP

At LEAP 2024, Karnika (Senior Associate at Newtrace) battled it out in front of a live audience in the Rocket Fuel Pitch competition, and won the Shooting Star award; which included an equity-free investment of $150,000. 

Newtrace is developing next-generation membraneless electrolyzers to enable the adoption of green hydrogen at scale – with the ultimate goal of slowing the speed of climate change. 

We’re getting ready for the 2025 pitch competition. So we caught up with Karnika to find out how her experience at LEAP has influenced her mindset and accelerated her career over the last year. 

What has your journey since LEAP looked like?

“LEAP was an incredible forum that introduced me to a plethora of possibilities. As the largest startup gathering globally, it provided a unique platform to learn from extraordinarily talented and dynamic individuals committed to driving meaningful, long-term change. 

“It also offered an unparalleled view into monumental projects like NEOM and global sustainability initiatives spearheaded by major energy companies on their journey towards Net Zero. Participating and winning as the only non-founder at LEAP provided me with an exceptional vantage point, allowing me to experience the event through a different lens. 

“After the event, I took some time to evaluate my strengths and channel them in the right direction. I was privileged to receive mentorship from industry experts, and their faith in my drive and abilities motivated me to commit to making a larger impact. Since then, I've taken up a communications specialist role at a leading global energy company. It has been immensely rewarding to contribute meaningfully to new initiatives while leveraging the skills I honed at LEAP. 

“In addition, I’m currently involved in several personal projects focused on decarbonisation – an area I’m deeply passionate about. These endeavours have been both challenging and exhilarating, and I’m very excited to see what the future holds for me.” 

What advice would you give to a startup or founder attending LEAP for the first time to help maximise their potential?

“One key piece of advice would be to not get overwhelmed by the vast array of possibilities. Be deliberate about the solutions you seek and remain open to new influences. 

“The most effective way to gain value from such a forum is through conversations – not only to build relevant networks but to genuinely ask questions that tap into others’ expertise and experiences. This approach requires deep shadow work, and an attitude that reflects humility and learning. I believe that genuine enthusiasm for fostering conversations and listening can often uncover key insights.

“It's also important to celebrate the milestones achieved by other participants in addition to sharing your own. Be earnest and ask questions.

“Before all of this, preparation and confidence are, of course, essential. For pitch competitions, it’s important to remember that while your enthusiasm should be unbridled, your approach should be tailored to the audiences. Continue to question the content of your delivery until you reach the core – then stay true to that message. If you focus on conveying this, the immense scale of global applicants, eminent jury members, and the larger-than-life live audience become far less daunting.” 

How do you approach building a team that is both innovative and resilient?

“I believe leadership is crucial in fostering a culture of transparency, resilience, and commitment to the vision. Although I'm not a founder yet, my experience working at a startup and close relationships within the ecosystem have indicated that this is key. There will always be countless fires to put out – and that’s a fact, not a possibility. 

“But knowing that your founders have your back, appreciate and recognise efforts, and maintain honesty to the vision and product is essential. It empowers the team to keep moving forward with determination, without losing faith or burning out. That’s where the magic lies, and I think those who recognise and capture that spirit at the right time make it.”

What are your top three achievements since LEAP?

“Quantifying my achievements since LEAP is difficult, but the global recognition I received has given me a greater sense of focus and determination with respect to my goals. I’ve worked on developing a personal strategy to improve my skills, inspire others, and continue being inspired. It’s been heartening to know that my experiences hold value for other participants attending this event, and I applaud the organisers for their efforts to stay connected.”

How do you think your exposure at LEAP accelerated your journey? 

“LEAP was a powerful catalyst in my personal journey. When you're on stage, sharing your passion for a cause you truly believe in, it transforms your mindset. 

“It’s not just about the exhilaration of sharing the stage with industry giants; it also helps you realise the amplified impact of your actions. I was humbled by the jury's decision to award us, but was equally inspired by the people who approached me afterwards, eager to learn more about the subject matter and my approach towards it.”

What’s one thing you’d do differently at LEAP next time? 

“The first time you attend LEAP, it takes time to absorb the grand setup, fresh energy, and new perspectives. In subsequent years, I would focus more specifically on the areas that interest me or on particular problems I’m aiming to understand, whether through conversations with industry experts or market study.”

Thanks to Karnika at Newtrace. Ready to be inspired by the Rocket Fuel Competition pitches at LEAP 2025? Register now.

Related
articles

The Garage and LEAP: When great minds come together.

We’ve been talking to some brilliant and influential leaders in the Saudi startup tech and ecosystems for #LEAP2025. This series gives us an unmatched insight into the impact LEAP has had in their success. This week we caught up with Omar Al-Shabaan, CPO at The Garage. The Garage and