Diane Maigrot Steps Down, Swarna Gujadhur Takes Over
After eight years at the helm of start-up incubator La Turbine, Chief Executive Officer Diane Maigrot has announced her departure. She officially steps down on 30 June 2026, concluding a long-standing commitment to promoting and developing Mauritius’ entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Swarna Gujadhur will take over as Head of Operations from 1 July 2026. She previously served as Business Development & Programs Specialist at La Turbine. Diane Maigrot will, however, remain closely involved with the organisation by joining La Turbine’s Board of Directors.
Since joining La Turbine in 2018, Diane Maigrot has played a pivotal role in the incubator’s growth, structuring and transformation. Under her leadership, La Turbine strengthened its position as a key player in Mauritius’ entrepreneurial ecosystem by supporting entrepreneurs developing innovative businesses with strong economic, social and environmental impact.
During her tenure, the incubator expanded its support programmes, forged strategic partnerships and contributed to nurturing a new generation of entrepreneurs capable of addressing tomorrow’s economic challenges.
“It has been a privilege to lead La Turbine and to work alongside such passionate and committed teams. I am proud of everything we have achieved together and confident about the incubator’s future. I leave with peace of mind because I am proud of the journey we have accomplished. Every entrepreneur supported by La Turbine has inspired me through their determination, resilience and genuine desire to make a difference to Mauritius’ economic, social and environmental landscape. I would like to congratulate everyone who has the courage to embark on the entrepreneurial journey,” said Diane Maigrot.
A New Leadership Team to Continue La Turbine’s Mission
With the appointment of Swarna Gujadhur, La Turbine begins a new chapter while building on the solid foundations established over recent years.
Having joined La Turbine in 2022 as Business Development and Program Specialist, Swarna Gujadhur has worked closely with the incubator’s partners and has led several key initiatives, including the recent Innovation Challenge, the integration of new start-ups and various programmes designed to support their development.
As the new Head of Operations, she will be responsible for driving the incubator’s strategic development, strengthening its role in supporting entrepreneurs and continuing to connect Mauritian start-ups with local, regional and international opportunities.
She will be supported by an experienced team comprising Marie Descombes, Community & Partnerships Manager, and Tanya Lecordier, Business Operations Coordinator.
“The new team structure will strengthen our internal expertise while ensuring close support for entrepreneurs in collaboration with our ecosystem partners. La Turbine will continue to support project leaders at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey, helping them structure their businesses, validate their business models and maximise their growth potential,” explained Swarna Gujadhur, Head of Operations.
A Key Player in Mauritius’ Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Since its creation, La Turbine has played a vital role in developing Mauritius’ entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The incubator has received more than 1,000 project applications, supported 150 entrepreneurs through its pre-incubation programmes, and helped establish 35 start-ups.
Its mission is driven by a strong conviction: that the future of the economy depends on entrepreneurs, innovation and the ability to support those bold enough to create new solutions.
Today, start-ups play an increasingly important role in creating the jobs of tomorrow, connecting Mauritius with international markets and building a more diversified, innovative and resilient economy.
La Turbine’s role now extends well beyond providing technical assistance. The incubator serves as a genuine catalyst, helping entrepreneurs validate whether their solutions address real market needs while assessing their commercial viability and growth potential.
Under its new leadership, La Turbine remains committed to pursuing this mission with the same level of dedication and determination in support of Mauritian entrepreneurs.
