UNICEF Femtech Ventures 2026: funding of up to US$100,000 for women’s health innovations

Technology companies developing solutions to improve the health and well-being of women and girls can apply for funding through UNICEF Femtech Ventures 2026. The initiative is offering up to US$100,000 in equity-free funding, alongside technical mentorship and access to UNICEF’s global network.

The programme supports locally developed, technology-driven innovations addressing gaps in healthcare, particularly in underserved communities and emerging markets. Selected companies will receive 12 months of technical support to strengthen their solutions and explore opportunities to scale.

Funding and Support Available

Selected companies can receive:

• Up to US$100,000 in equity-free funding
• 12 of technical mentorship
• Access to UNICEF’s global network, including relationships with governments
• Support to strengthen solutions, prepare for deployment, and explore pathways to scale

Priority Areas

UNICEF is seeking technology solutions across three key areas.

1. Healthcare Access for Women and Girls

Innovations may include affordable screening and point-of-care tools, maternal and child health solutions, digital healthcare platforms connecting screening and referrals, and tools that support essential health supply planning.

2. Reproductive Health Information and Services

This area includes digital reproductive health information and counselling, community health worker platforms, HPV screening and prevention technologies, and solutions that protect sensitive health data.

3. Mental Wellbeing, Safety and Protection

Eligible innovations may address digital mental health support, maternal and adolescent mental health screening, gender-based violence, and online harassment and abuse targeting women and girls.

Who Can Apply?

The opportunity is aimed at early- and growth-stage technology companies developing solutions with practical applications and potential to scale. Companies using frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, blockchain and data science are encouraged to apply.

Women-led startups and founders under the age of 35 are particularly encouraged to submit applications.

Applicants must meet the following key requirements:

• Be registered in a UNICEF programme country.
• Have a functional prototype of their solution.
• Be committed to open-source licensing and principles.
• Develop technology that addresses the health, well-being, or sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls.
• Demonstrate the potential for practical application and future scaling.

South Africa is among the eligible countries, making this an opportunity for locally registered technology companies developing solutions to challenges affecting women’s and girls’ health.

Application Deadline

Applications close on 4 November 2026.

Interested companies can review the full eligibility criteria and application requirements on the official UNICEF website.

Apply here: UNICEF Femtech Ventures 2026 – Funding Opportunity

Applicants should consult UNICEF’s official guidelines to confirm eligibility and the full application requirements before submitting.