UNICEF Femtech Ventures has launched its 2026 call for applications, seeking to invest in locally developed frontier technology solutions that improve the health, wellbeing, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of girls and women.
As part of a five-year initiative (2025–2030), this second cohort will select early-stage technology companies leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, blockchain, or virtual reality to address critical gaps across three focus pillars:
- Healthcare Access for Women & Girls: Primary, antenatal, postnatal, and maternal healthcare solutions designed for underserved communities.
- Informed, Safe & Accessible SRHR: Digital tools, platforms, and privacy-focused services that strengthen reproductive health access and education.
- Mental Wellbeing, Safety & Protection: Technologies tackling gender-based violence, online harms, maternal/adolescent mental health, and emergency safety.
Key Eligibility Criteria
- Company Registration: Must be registered as a for-profit technology company in a UNICEF programme country (including Nigeria and other eligible emerging markets in Africa, Asia, and Latin America).
- Product Readiness: Must have a working, functional prototype with proven initial traction or user testing (not open to unbuilt concepts).
- Open Source Commitment: Solutions must be built or willing to be licensed under open-source software/hardware principles.
- Frontier Tech Focus: Solutions must leverage technology such as AI, machine learning, data science, extended reality, or blockchain.
- Founder Diversity: Women-led startups and young founders under the age of 35 are strongly encouraged to apply.
Prizes & Program Benefits
- Equity-Free Grant: Up to $100,000 in non-dilutive financial investment.
- Technical Mentorship: 12 months of tailored technical, open-source, and business development support from UNICEF specialists.
- Global Ecosystem & Networks: Direct access to UNICEF’s international partner network, government relations, and global deployment channels to scale solutions across regions.
What You Need to Submit
- Proof of business registration in an eligible UNICEF programme country.
- Demonstration or accessible code repository of a functional prototype.
- Pitch video showcasing the team, problem context, and working technology.
- Breakdown of target demographic, user impact, and open-source deployment plan.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official UNICEF portal before November 4, 2026, at 11:59 PM CET. Apply Now on UNICEF Portal
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Edfrica shares opportunities for informational purposes only. Results and outcomes are not guaranteed.
