Startups developing technology solutions to improve the health, wellbeing and economic participation of women and girls can apply for the UNICEF Femtech Ventures funding opportunity 2026, which offers up to US$100,000 in equity-free funding.\n<\/p>\n
The initiative, run through the UNICEF Venture Fund, supports companies using technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, blockchain and data science to address challenges affecting women and girls, particularly in underserved communities.\n<\/p>\n
Selected startups will receive funding, 12 months of technical mentorship and access to UNICEF\u2019s global network, including connections with governments and other partners that could help their solutions reach more people.\n<\/p>\n
Applications close on November 4, 2026.\n<\/p>\n
About UNICEF Femtech Ventures<\/p>\n
Femtech Ventures is a five-year UNICEF initiative running from 2025 to 2030. It invests in locally developed technology solutions that improve women\u2019s and girls\u2019 health, wellbeing, and sexual and reproductive health and rights in emerging markets.<\/p>\n
The programme\u2019s second call seeks companies using frontier technologies to develop open-source solutions that can be adapted to local needs and scaled.\n<\/p>\n
The initiative is looking beyond conventional healthcare applications. It also supports technologies that address barriers to reproductive health information, financial inclusion, education, safety and women\u2019s participation in the economy.\n<\/p>\n
Who Can Apply?<\/p>\n
The opportunity is open to eligible early-stage and growth-stage technology companies developing solutions for women and girls.\n<\/p>\n
Applicants should meet these key requirements:\n<\/p>\n
Company registration: The startup must be registered in a country where UNICEF operates a programme.
\nFunctional prototype: The company should have a working prototype of its solution.
\nOpen-source commitment: Applicants must be committed to open-source licensing and principles.
\nRelevant technology: The solution should use frontier technologies such as AI, machine learning, blockchain or data science.
\nPotential for scale: The company should demonstrate how its solution could reach more users and deliver measurable social impact.
\nLocal relevance: The technology should respond to the needs and circumstances of the communities it is intended to serve.<\/p>\n
Women-led startups and founders under 35 are particularly encouraged to apply, although the call is not limited exclusively to women-led companies.\n<\/p>\n
What Types of Solutions Are Eligible?<\/p>\n
UNICEF is seeking innovations across three main areas.<\/p>\n
1. Healthcare Access for Women and Girls<\/p>\n
This category covers technology that improves access to quality healthcare, particularly in primary and community healthcare settings.\n<\/p>\n
Examples include:\n<\/p>\n
Digital tools for maternal health, antenatal care and postnatal support.
\nAffordable technology-enabled screening and diagnostic solutions.
\nAI-assisted tools that help frontline health workers interpret clinical data.
\nPlatforms connecting patients to screening, referrals and follow-up care.
\nDigital systems that improve the availability of essential maternal and child health supplies.<\/p>\n
2. Reproductive Health Information and Services<\/p>\n
The programme also supports solutions that help women and girls access accurate, safe and accessible sexual and reproductive health information and services.\n<\/p>\n
Examples include:\n<\/p>\n
AI-powered reproductive health information and counselling in underserved languages.
\nDigital platforms supporting community health workers.
\nTechnology for HPV screening and prevention services.
\nSolutions connecting women to financing for reproductive healthcare.
\nTools that protect sensitive reproductive health information and give users control over their data.<\/p>\n
3. Mental Wellbeing, Safety and Protection<\/p>\n
The third category focuses on the psychological, emotional and digital safety of women, girls and children.\n<\/p>\n
Eligible innovations may include:\n<\/p>\n
Digital mental health and psychosocial support tools.
\nTechnology helping community health workers identify mental health risks.
\nAI-enabled systems for safe reporting and response to gender-based violence.
\nOnline safety tools addressing digital abuse, harassment and exploitation.
\nTools that help teachers, social workers and community health workers identify risks and connect people to support services.<\/p>\n
UNICEF is particularly interested in technologies that can work in low-resource or emergency settings, including environments with limited connectivity or smartphone access. Solutions should also consider accessibility, language diversity, privacy and user safety.\n<\/p>\n
What Will Selected Startups Receive?
\nUp to US$100,000 in Equity-Free Funding<\/p>\n
Selected companies can receive up to US$100,000 through the UNICEF Venture Fund. The funding is equity-free, meaning UNICEF does not take an ownership stake in the startup in exchange for the investment.<\/p>\n
Applicants should review the fund\u2019s terms to understand the conditions attached to the investment.\n<\/p>\n
12 Months of Technical Mentorship<\/p>\n
Selected companies will receive technical mentorship over 12 months to help them develop and strengthen their solutions.\n<\/p>\n
Access to UNICEF\u2019s Global Network<\/p>\n
Startups will gain access to UNICEF\u2019s wider network, including relationships with governments and other stakeholders. These connections can help companies explore routes to deployment and scale.\n<\/p>\n
Support for Open-Source Technology<\/p>\n
The programme supports open-source technology designed to be adapted, reused and developed further. Selected startups must remain committed to open-source licensing and practices.\n<\/p>\n
Opportunities to Scale<\/p>\n
The initiative aims to help locally developed technologies reach more women and girls, especially in communities where access to quality healthcare and other essential services remains limited. Funding and mentorship are intended to support solutions with the potential for measurable impact.<\/p>\n
How Will Applications Be Assessed?<\/p>\n
UNICEF is looking for solutions that combine technical innovation with a clear understanding of the needs of women and girls.\n<\/p>\n
Applicants should be ready to demonstrate:\n<\/p>\n
The problem their technology addresses and why it matters.
\nHow the solution works and what makes it innovative.
\nEvidence that the prototype is functional.
\nIts potential to improve health, wellbeing, safety or economic participation.
\nHow the company will protect personal data and reduce risks to users.
\nHow the solution can work in the intended local context and expand to reach more people.
\nA commitment to open-source licensing and practices.<\/p>\n
Technology alone is not enough. The call emphasises locally relevant solutions, inclusive design, data privacy and the ability to operate in underserved settings.\n<\/p>\n
How to Apply<\/p>\n
Eligible startups can apply through the official UNICEF Femtech Ventures application page.\n<\/p>\n
Before submitting, review the eligibility requirements and prepare information about your company, working prototype, technology, intended users, potential impact and approach to open-source development.\n<\/p>\n
Application deadline: November 4, 2026.<\/p>\n