Up to US$100,000 for FemTech Startups: Sweden and UNICEF Open Applications for Women’s Health Innovation

Overview

Sweden and UNICEF FemTech Ventures have opened applications for their second annual cohort, supporting technology-enabled solutions that improve the health, wellbeing, and sexual and reproductive health and rights of girls and women. The initiative targets companies using frontier technologies to develop open-source solutions with the potential for wider adoption and scale. Women-led startups and young founders under the age of 35 are specifically encouraged to apply, offering emerging entrepreneurs access to international support.

Who can apply

The opportunity is open to companies rather than individual applicants. Eligible entities must be registered in a UNICEF programme country, possess a functional prototype of the proposed technology or solution, and demonstrate potential for the solution to scale. Applicants must also be committed to open-source licensing and principles. The programme specifically encourages applications from companies utilizing frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain.

What you get

Selected companies receive up to US$100,000 in funding to support the advancement of their solutions. In addition to financial support, successful participants are provided with 12 months of technical mentorship to help strengthen their technologies. Participants also gain access to UNICEF’s global network, facilitating potential collaboration, visibility, and engagement within the international development ecosystem.

How to apply

Interested companies must follow the official application process announced by Sweden and UNICEF FemTech Ventures. Applicants should verify the complete programme requirements, application questions, submission instructions, and application conditions prior to applying. The opportunity requires an existing functional prototype rather than undeveloped ideas.