New Delhi: Dr Ishrat Fatma, associated with IIMT University’s Greater Noida campus, presented her research on digital technology and mental health among migrant street vendors at the Health in Entrepreneurship Research Forum (HERF 2026), held at the Paris School of Business, France, from October 1 to 3.

Titled “Algorithmic Anxiety on the Roadside: Digitalization Stress and Mental Health Among Migrant Street Vendors in Prayagraj and Ghaziabad,” the study examines how the growing use of digital technology may affect the mental well-being and working lives of street vendors in the unorganised sector.

The research focuses on migrant vendors in Prayagraj and Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, highlighting the need to understand the challenges faced by small traders as digital transactions and technology-driven business practices become increasingly common.

While digital tools can improve customer engagement and business operations, their growing use may also create new pressures for workers with limited resources. The study brings attention to the human and social dimensions of digital transformation, particularly its implications for mental health and livelihood security.

HERF 2026 brought an international academic perspective to the relationship between health, entrepreneurship and digital transformation. Dr Fatma’s participation provided an opportunity to present research rooted in Indian urban communities on an international academic platform.

The Paris School of Business issued a certificate acknowledging her participation in the forum. Her research underscores the importance of examining the psychological and social consequences of digitalisation alongside its economic benefits, particularly for vulnerable groups in the informal economy.